For millions of French people, finding an apartment to rent has become hell.
Even when you are 35 years old and a lawyer at one of the world's ready-to-wear giants.
“Applying for a rental is like throwing a bottle into the sea,”
says Constance, who is currently living in a hotel room paid for by her company, while waiting to find something better.
“I've been looking for months in Paris
.
Having a good record is not enough,
says the young woman.
On each visit, fifty of us have a good record.”
The scene is now common in the capital and large university towns, particularly during the start of the student year: each time an apartment is up for rent, dozens of prospective tenants crowd into a stairwell, waiting for their round.
They then have five minutes, watch in hand, to tour the accommodation.
Only one will win and deviations are frequent.
“
It’s the factory,”
confirms Léa, a young journalist who has been making group visits to the capital for months
.
There is no real meeting with an owner, no feeling.
It's the law of the jungle.
The richest wins, that’s all.”
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