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ProceduresHousingManaging my housing budget

Managing my housing budget

Comité de la Démarche AccessibleProposed by Comité de la Démarche Accessible Updated on il y a un an

Managing a budget means knowing the money coming in and going out of your bank account, so you can plan expenses and avoid difficult situations.

Being independent in accommodation can sometimes be expensive: it is important to manage your budget to pay the rent and charges, while continuing to live normally.

If you are often “overdrawn” (bank account below 0€):
- the bank automatically charges a fee, so it costs you even more money.
- you risk getting a negative response if you apply for credit.

How to do it?

  1. Before moving into a new home:
  • Mail forwarding to new address (option): from €47. Everything is explained here
  • Home insurance contract which must start on the day you arrive into the accommodation.

2. During installation:

  • First month's rent
  • Agency fees, if you found the apartment through a real estate agency
  • Opening of electricity, gas, and telephone/internet line meters
  • Security deposit: maximum 1 month's rent, when you sign the rental contract
A Loca-Pass advance (without interest or administration fees) can help pay the security deposit. Everything is explained here.
  • Moving expenses
You can get financial assistance to pay for the move. Everything is explained here.

3. After installation, every month or two:

  • Rent
  • Charges (electricity, gas, internet, telephone, etc.)
  • Home insurance .
- In some accommodations, charges are included in the rent (heating, water, etc.). Take a good look at your rental contract.

- When you sign a contract (gas, electricity, home insurance, etc.), ask for a "monthly payment by direct debit", meaning that the money is automatically taken from your account each month.
This helps organize the budget, avoid paying everything at once, and not forget to pay the bills.

Depending on your situation, you can apply for financial assistance to pay part of the rent: APL (personalized housing allowance).

> Read: the Réfugiés.info fact sheet “ Requesting housing assistance ”

  • Know your exact income (what arrives in your account: net salary + social benefits)
  • Keep proof of payments (receipts, bank card receipts, etc.) and check your bank account regularly
  • Inform the owner or social landlord if you have difficulty paying the rent, before you fall behind
  • Plan expenses, set aside money to pay, and spread expenses over several months if possible:
    - taxes in September
    - higher electricity bill during winter
    - new furniture, housing equipment
    - transport (public transport subscription, car, bicycle).
Energy prices (electricity, gas) are calculated and increased every year in January.
To properly manage the total budget, the best method is the 50/30/20 rule:
- 50% (half) of your income for obligatory expenses (housing, insurance, transport, shopping, internet, etc.)
- 30% (one third) of your income for personal expenses and for pleasure (vacations, clothes, restaurants, etc.)
- 20% (whatever is left) to save and put aside.

  • 1. Windows open = heating off or down.
  • 2. Day = 19 ° and night = 17 °. At night, close the shutters and curtains to save heating.
  • 3. A dripping tap or a leaking toilet flush = higher water bill!
  • 4. I don't let the water runningwhile I brush my teeth, wash the dishes or take a shower.
  • 5. I do not leave the refrigerator door open for too long.
  • 6. Frequent defrosting = energy savings.
  • 7. Place the refrigerator away from the oven and cooking hobs.
  • 8. Turn off the lights when leaving a room; turn off any electrical appliances that you do not use.
  • 9. Low consumption light bulbs = energy savings.
  • 10. Look at the energy-saving labels on household appliances (A = energy-efficient - G = not very energy-efficient).

What happens next?

  • You can get discounts on water and electricity bills with the energy check .
  • You can lower your electricity bills by taking advantage of EDF's "off-peak hours": electricity costs less at night, you can program your washing machine during these hours.
  • Compare electricity and gas offers from energy suppliers for free on this site : prices, services and conditions... If you find a cheaper offer, you can contact the new supplier to sign a new contract and cancel the old one (free of charge).
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