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Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question?
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
If you do not find the information you are looking for in the FAQs or if you would like to find out more concerning how to proceed,
please feel free to contact Ecla's staff.
 

1. Ecla accomodation

What makes Ecla a unique experience?
Living at Ecla means taking possession of a unique place entirely dedicated to coliving, with shared spaces that exist nowhere else. When you choose Ecla, you're sure to leave your mark on a truly international, multi-faceted community.  

What security measures are taken at Ecla residences?
At Ecla, safety is a priority. Security personnel are present on campus 24/7. All our residences are placed under video surveillance in compliance with the RGPD. Access to residences is impossible without an access badge.

 

2. Accommodation

Is it possible to visit the apartments?
Visits are possible at set times for each residence. During visits, you'll tour our show homes and common areas. It is not possible to visit the final apartment you reserve.

What exactly is included in the rent?
Your rent includes accommodation, hot and cold water, electricity, heating and Ecla services such as mailboxes, dishwashing kits and equipment loans. Ecla also provides free WiFi access to its common areas (co-working, the Agora, The Gym, the E-games, The Studio, The Factory, The Kitchen, the Cinéboxes, the patios, etc.), not to mention the events program!
 
What facilities are available in the apartments?

Each accommodation (except our Friends Flat in Massy-Palaiseau and our Rooms in Noisy-le-Grand and Villejuif) includes pillows, comforter, draw sheet, crockery, cutlery, hob, microwave and fridge. See the details for each accommodation.
 
Are any of your homes accessible to disabled people?

Yes, many of our apartments, especially our studios/T1, are fully adapted for people with reduced mobility.

Are pets allowed in the apartments?
No, pets are not allowed in Ecla residences.

3. Security deposit

How much is the administration fee?
For all stays, the administration fee is 7% of the annual rent (except for stays of less than 2 months).
 
 Do you need a guarantor to rent an apartment at Ecla?
Professionals: A guarantor is mandatory if the member does not have a permanent contract and does not earn 3 times the rent. Thanks to our partnership with Garantme, you can obtain a moral guarantor.
French students: A guarantor is mandatory and must earn 3 times the amount of the rent. Thanks to our partnership with Garantme, you can obtain a moral guarantor.
► International students: To obtain a guarantor, you'll need 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 from the SEPA zone.

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 from the SEPA zone.
· Proof of a permanent contract outside the trial period

► French students:
The tenant 
· Valid identity document
· Institution certificate or student card
· Bank transfer information from the SEPA zone.

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 from the SEPA zone.
· Proof of a permanent contract outside the trial period
 
► International students:
· Valid identity document
· Institution certificate or student card
· Garantme certificate

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 the residence reception to request 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.
 

4. Living at Ecla

When should I complete my room inventory?
Check-ins (and check-outs) are by appointment only, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm (except Fridays at 4.30pm). Don't forget to bring a valid multi-risk home insurance certificate with you for your entry inspection. We will not be able to hand over the keys without this document.

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 at the residence, 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 the reception of the residence for more information. 

When and how do I pay my rent?
Rent is paid by direct debit.
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.
 
 

5. Leaving already?

How can I cancel my contract?
To terminate your contract, please bring a letter of notice to the Reception during opening hours or send it by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt to the ECLA address (email requests are not valid).
Notice means that you are financially committed until the end of the notice period.
The notice period is 15 days if you have an accommodation contract (between 1 and 2 months) or one month for any residential lease (+ 2 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.