Renting a small space: our tips

Are you a studio owner or looking to buy one? Highly sought after in the French real estate market, small furnished properties can have great potential for both medium-term and short-term rentals. However, how do you know which property to invest in? How can you best furnish and make a small space attractive? Here is our advice!

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Ensure you comply with regulations

As an owner or future buyer, you should be well-versed in the regulations surrounding furnished rentals. Renting a small space is fine, but renting one that is too small is not. There is indeed a minimum surface area to respect to ensure you are providing decent housing to tenants. Your property must have at least one main room with a minimum living area of 9 square meters. The ceiling height must not be below 2.20 meters. However, you may rent a space of less than 9 square meters if, and only if, its volume is equal to or greater than 20 cubic meters. For example, an 8-square-meter unit with a 3-meter ceiling height is considered decent and can therefore be rented legally.

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Also, be sure to comply with the list of mandatory equipment for furnished rentals. According to the ALUR law, "a furnished dwelling is a decent dwelling equipped with furniture in sufficient number and quality to allow the tenant to sleep, eat, and live properly in accordance with the requirements of daily life." The tenant should only need to arrive with their personal belongings. Once these items are available in your property, the level of equipment can be optimized as you see fit to attract a wider audience and maximize your rental income.

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Investing and renting strategically

If you are currently looking for a small-surface rental investment, prioritize large cities and tourist areas. An attractive location will play a primary role in renting out your property.

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A student city such as Bordeaux, Lyon, or Montpellier will provide you with long-term rental security. When creating your listing, you should focus on proximity to a school or university as well as other key daily necessities: supermarkets, public transport, pharmacies, etc. Are you planning to rent to business travelers? Then be sure to mention the nearest train station, airport, or industrial zone. Both French and international students, as well as professionals, are significant target audiences for small spaces!

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Depending on the chosen area, don't hesitate to take advantage of major local events. A music festival? A large-scale sporting competition? Adjust your nightly rate accordingly! Many visitors and spectators will be looking for accommodation near the event in question. Is your studio located in a city that is both a student hub and a tourist destination? Combining mobility leases with short-term rentals can allow you to rent year-round and optimize your rental income.

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Optimizing space

Small spaces require maximum optimization. Every method is a good one to make your studio practical, functional, and comfortable:

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• Use ceiling height: hanging storage or even a mezzanine—various tricks can help you clear the floor and give the impression of a more spacious home.
  

• Define different living areas: if your property consists of only one single living room, you can use several options to separate the kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas. A glass partition, for example, can create an original separation without sacrificing natural light.
  

• Play with optical illusions: mirrors will be your best allies for making the space look larger! It’s all about perspective.
  

• Think smart: nesting tables, storage beds, sofa beds... There is a wide range of space-saving furniture available today. Hiding and folding will become your watchwords!
  

• Choose a decor style and commit to it: whether you want a neutral look or something more unique, look into current trends and avoid mixing too many styles. Coherence and modernity will help potential tenants visualize themselves there. Indeed, if you are renting for the medium term, keep in mind that your property will become their primary residence.
  

Your Airbnb concierge service is here to help

Whether you opt for medium-term or short-term rentals, Welkeys is here to help you rent your small space. From creating your listing to welcoming tenants and providing hotel-quality cleaning, our teams manage every aspect of the rental process. Furthermore, thanks to our multiple partners (Airbnb, Booking, Studapart, Magic Stay, etc.), we adapt the distribution of your listing to the type of rental desired and the target audience.

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