What is special about Ecla?
Ecla is a place unlike any other: it is all about co-living and has shared areas you won’t find anywhere else. Choosing Ecla comes with a promise of a real life experience within an international and diverse community.
What is security like on Ecla sites?
At Ecla, security is a priority. Security staff are on campus around the clock. There is CCTV in all of our accommodation in compliance with GDPR. A badge is required to access the accommodation.
Is it possible to visit the apartments?
If you wish to visit an apartment you need to make an appointment with the team via our contact form. Please note that you are not allowed to visit shared accommodation and certain types of apartment cannot be visited if they are not available on the desired visit date.
What exactly is included in the rent?
Included in your rent: accommodation, hot and cold water, electricity, heating and Ecla's services such as letterboxes, crockery and loan of equipment. Ecla also offers free Wi-Fi in shared areas (co-working spaces, the Agora, the Gym, the e-games room, the Studio, the Factory, the Kitchen, Cinébox, the patios, etc.), not to mention the events programme!
What is provided with the accommodation?
Pillows, duvets, crockery, utensils, cutlery, a hob, microwave and fridge are included with each type of accommodation (apart from our Friends Flats at Massy-Palaiseau and rooms at Noisy-le-Grand). Details are provided in the description of each type of accommodation.
Do you have accessible accommodation for those with disabilities?
Yes, much of our accommodation, especially our studios/one-room apartments, are perfectly suited to people with reduced mobility.
Are pets allowed in the accommodation?
No, pets are not allowed in Ecla accommodation.
How much is the administration fee?
For stays of 6 months or more, the administration fee is 4.5% of the annual rent.
For stays of between 1 and 6 months, the administration fee is 2.25% of the annual rent.
Do you need a guarantor to rent an apartment at Ecla?
► Professionals: A guarantor is required if the member is not on a permanent contract and does not earn 3 times the rental amount. It is possible to obtain a moral guarantor through Garantme, with whom we have a partnership.
► French students: A guarantor is required and must earn 3 times the rental amount. It is possible to obtain a moral guarantor through Garantme, with whom we have a partnership.
► International students: If you do not have a guarantor and are studying at one of our partner institutions, you will be asked for a two-month deposit before your arrival. If you are not studying at a partner institution, you will have to go through our partner Garantme.
What documents do I need to provide with my application?
► Professionals:
I am on a permanent contract and earn 3 times the amount of the rent
· Valid ID card
· Bank transfer information
· Last 2 payslips
· Last tax notice
· Proof of a permanent contract outside the trial period
I do not have a permanent contract or I am still on a trial period or I do not earn 3 times the amount of the rent: a guarantor is mandatory.
The tenant
· Valid identity document
· Bank transfer information (if paying)
The guarantor(s)
· Valid identity document
· Last 2 payslips (the net salary must be equal to or greater than 3 times the amount of the rent)
· Most recent tax assessment
· Bank transfer information (if paying)
· Proof of a permanent contract outside the trial period
► French students:
The tenant
· Valid identity document
· Institution certificate or student card
· Bank transfer information (if paying)
The guarantor(s)
· Valid identity document
· Last 2 payslips (the net salary must be equal to or greater than 3 times the amount of the rent)
· Most recent tax assessment
· Bank transfer information (if paying)
· Proof of a permanent contract outside the trial period
► International students:
· Valid identity document
· Institution certificate or student card
· Garantme certificate if you are not studying at one of our partner institutions
How do I book accommodation?
To book, you must complete the pre-booking process on the website. A member of the team will contact you within a few days to confirm your booking.
Is it possible to receive housing benefits from CAF (Family Allowance Fund)?
Yes, an Ecla resident is eligible for housing benefits, and the amount depends on their personal situation. To apply for CAF, select the following boxes:
"You live in a home or a student residence"
You are staying in student accommodation: “In a home or university residence that is not managed by CROUS"
Nature of the rental: "In a student residence owned by a private investor"
Your accommodation: "Non-subsidised"
Is the accommodation furnished? "Yes"
Check the amount of housing benefit you will receive by downloading the .pdf file
Is the Visale guarantee accepted at Ecla?
Ecla does not accept the Visale guarantee, but accepts the Garantme guarantee.
Is it possible to obtain a proof of address?
Yes, simply contact reception to request a proof of address.
What are the terms of cancellation?
- Free cancellation up to 7 days after receipt of the lease notice (except within the 14 days before the arrival date, see conditions below).
- Up to 30 days before the arrival date: full refund minus 50% of the administration fee.
- Between 29 and 15 days before the anticipated arrival date: full refund minus 100% of the administration fee.
- Between 14 and 7 days before the anticipated arrival date: full refund minus 100% of the administration fee + half a month's rent.
- After 7 days: full refund minus 100% of the administration fee + 1 month's rent.
In case of cancellation due to visa refusal, please notify us in writing providing proof of refusal:
- Free cancellation due to visa refusal up to 15 days before the date of arrival.
- Between 15 days and the date of arrival: full refund minus 100% of the administration fee
- After the date of arrival: full refund minus 100% of the administration fee + 1 month's rent.
When should I complete my room inventory?
You can only complete your move-in inventory (or move-out inventory) by booking an appointment from Monday to Friday between 9.00 am and 5.30 pm. Don't forget you also need to show your valid student home insurance.
Can I smoke in my apartment?
Ecla is smoke free campus. For health and safety reasons and out of respect, we kindly ask you to respect the campus no smoking policy and use designated smoking areas (the patio and forecourt). If your apartment requires cleaning or paint work at the end of the year due to smoke damage, you will be charged accordingly.
How do I change my linen kit?
If you have chosen the extra linen option to change your sheets and towels, just take your dirty linen down to the Local Linge, near The Laundry, during the opening hours shown on the door.
How can I take advantage of Ecla’s services?
Download the Ecla app to enjoy all of the services on offer: book the Cinébox or music studio, order some burgers or even open the door with your smartphone.
How do I receive post at Ecla?
If you wish to receive a letter or parcel, you must make sure your accommodation number is included in the address. Each housing unit has a numbered mailbox, which is locked with a code that you’ll be given when you move in.
If you receive a parcel, it will be delivered to a Colibox. You’ll receive a notification via the mobile app, that you can go and collect it.
Can I have friends or family in my apartment?
Residents can have visitors. They simply need to register at reception upon arrival. Residents can also get a discount on a short stay for family or friends at the accommodation with the Ecla Business package.
What additional services are available?
You can hire a 32” TV screen, book a cleaner, hire a storage locker or even rent an indoor or outdoor parking space. You can order any of these services on the Ecla app or by asking at reception for more information.
When and how do I pay my rent?
Direct debit (with a French or European account only) is strongly recommended. You can also pay your rent by credit card or bank transfer.
The rent must be paid before the 6th of the month. If the rent is not paid by this date, the litigation service sends a free initial reminder. The second reminder is sent on the 16th of the month and is charged at €10. A formal notice is then sent on the 26th of the month by registered mail at a cost of €30 payable by the tenant.
How can I cancel my contract?
If you wish to cancel your contract, you must provide a letter of notice to reception during its opening hours or send it to ECLA’s postal address by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt. E-mails will not be accepted.
The notice requirement means that you are financially committed until the end of that time period.
The notice requirement is 15 days if you have an accommodation contract (between 1 and 6 months) or one (1) month if you have a leasing agreement (+6 months).
When is the security deposit refunded
The legal period for refunding the security deposit is one month, from the date of the end of the notice (provided that the exit inventory is identical to the inventory on entry). In the event that re-invoicing is necessary, the legal period for refunding can be up to 2 months.