Updated February, 02 2026
APL is a financial aid program provided by the French government. This personalized housing benefit is paid by the CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) for the applicant’s primary residence. Whether you are a student, job seeker, young professional, or employee, this aid helps take the pressure off by covering part of your rent.
However, not all properties are eligible for APL. To qualify, your apartment must meet certain requirements. How do you know if your home is eligible? What criteria should you check?
We’ll tell you everything in this article!
What is a contracted housing unit?
The allocation policy for APL can be quite complex. Some apartments may not be eligible for APL, while for others, eligibility is mandatory. In fact, there are certain “conventionné” housing units where receiving APL is a requirement for moving in.
But what exactly is a “contracted housing”? It refers to a property where the owner or property manager has signed an agreement with the State, represented by the ANAH (Agence Nationale de l’Habitat) or the local Prefecture. By signing this agreement, the owner agrees to follow specific rules in exchange for tax benefits and renovation grants.
Contracted vs Non-Contracted Housing: What’s the difference for you?
Whether an accommodation is contracted or not, there are key differences to keep in mind. Here is a summary table to help you see things more clearly:
Critère | Logement conventionné | Logement non conventionné |
| Aide possible | APL | ALS |
| Loyer | Plafonné par l’État | Libre (marché) |
| Montant de l’aide | Généralement plus élevé | Généralement plus faible |
| Conditions | Strictes (décence, surface) | Moins strictes |
| Vérification | Demander au propriétaire | / |
If your accommodation is not contracted, you can still receive the ALS (Allocation de Logement Social). Please note that APL and ALS cannot be combined; the CAF will automatically grant you the most advantageous benefit for your situation.
How to check if your housing is contracted?
Wondering if your future apartment or current room is contracted?
Here are 3 simple methods to verify it:
1 • Ask your landlord or agency
This is the simplest and most direct method. Ask them before signing the lease if the accommodation is APL-eligible (contracted). A landlord who has a contracted property will know and be transparent about it.
2 • Check your lease agreement
Some leases explicitly mention “logement conventionné APL” (APL-eligible housing) or “convention ANAH.” Look for these terms in the first few pages of your rental contract. Note: it isn’t always clearly stated, even if the property is eligible.
3 • Contact the CAF
Contact the CAF The CAF can verify if the property is registered as “contracted.” You can:
- Call your local CAF office
- Send a message through your personal account on the CAF portal
At Colivys, all our properties are “contracted” and eligible for APL. You don’t even have to ask!
APL eligibility criteria
To be eligible for APL, your housing must be your primary residence. While it may seem obvious, the accommodation must also be decent and safe.
Here are the requirements:
The 10 criteria for decent housing:
Beyond the minimum 9m² surface area, your housing must meet the “decency criteria” established by the State.
1. Minimum surface area and volume
At least 9 m² of surface area for a single person, or a minimum habitable volume of 20 m³.
2. Sanitary facilities
The home must have a source of potable (drinking) water, a toilet (inside or easily accessible), and a bathroom equipped with a shower or bathtub.
3. Heating
A functional heating system and minimum insulation to prevent significant energy loss.
4. Electricity
Electrical installations must meet safety standards (e.g., no exposed wiring, which is hazardous).
5. Structural safety
There must be no risk of collapse. Guardrails must be installed on windows and balconies where necessary, and staircases must be secure.
6. Weatherproofing
The unit must be free of water infiltration. Doors and windows must be in good condition, and the roof must be watertight.
7. Ventilation
Air circulation must be sufficient. The ventilation system (VMC) must be functional; otherwise, windows or openings allowing for fresh air must be available.
8. Kitchen area
A kitchen or kitchenette must be provided, allowing tenants to prepare and store food. A sink with running water is mandatory.
9. Natural light
Main living areas must have a window looking outside to ensure sufficient natural light.
10. General condition
The property must be free of pests (rats, cockroaches, bedbugs). Floors, walls, and ceilings must be in good repair, with no significant mold.
Important: If your accommodation does not meet these criteria, you will not be able to receive APL, even if you are personally eligible and the property benefits of a contract with the State.
How to tell if your housing meets these criteria?
Before signing your lease:
- Visit the property thoroughly
- Check for all mandatory equipment
- Measure your room’s surface area (especially in a flatshare)
- Test the facilities (heating, hot water, ventilation)
- Take photos if you have any doubts
After moving in:
- If your housing does not meet the decency criteria, you can request that the owner carry out the necessary repairs
- In case of a refusal, you can refer the matter to the Departmental Conciliation Commission (Commission Départementale de Conciliation)
- The CAF can perform an inspection if you report a problem
At Colivys, our properties meet all decency standards and are regularly maintained.
Specific conditions for tenants
Beyond the housing itself, you must also meet certain personal criteria to qualify for APL.
International resident?
- You are a EU citizen: Your eligibility depends on your profile, but you will need a valid ID or passport. You must also be enrolled in a degree program or be employed, and have valid health insurance. For more details, visit the official government website.
- You are a Non-EU citizen: You must hold a valid residence permit (titre de séjour).
You a minor?
You can still apply for APL. However, if you are still legally dependent on your parents, the lease agreement must be in their name.
What are the income and rent thresholds for eligibility?
The Aide Personnalisée au Logement is indexed to keep pace with the cost of living and inflation. Every year on October 1st, the CAF reviews this benefit. Below is a summary table of the rent ceilings required to be eligible for APL as of October 1st, 2025:
| The scale depends on the geographical zone of your accommodation (apartment or house) and your family situation. | ||
| Localisation | Single person | Couple without kid |
| Zone 1 (Ile-de-France) | €331,14 | €401,78 |
| Zone 2 (+100 000 inhabitants agglomerations, Corse) | €290,34 | €355,58 |
| Zone 3 (The rest of France) | €272,12 | €329,88 |
Is your Colivys home APL-eligible?
Thinking about renting a room with Colivys and wondering if you’ll get APL?
Good news! All Colivys properties are contracted and APL-eligible. You don’t have to worry about eligibility. Every Colivys tenant can benefit from housing aid through an individual lease, which maximizes your entitlements.
To find out the exact amount you could receive, visit the CAF website and run a simulation. This will help you confirm that your monthly rent budget aligns with the financial assistance provided.
At Colivys, our rental agreements are sublease contracts with individual leases. We know that French administrative “red tape” can be overwhelming. Mistakes happen easily, which is why we offer our future tenants administrative support—to make your life easier and save you time.
