How to Find a Cheap Apartment in Paris

1. Make a list of places and websites you will visit to find your apartment, either by doing an internet search or visiting places such as French language schools which may post apartment availabilities on their bulletin boards.  You can get started by taking a look at the resource list below the article. The American Church in Paris is a great place to start (in the 7th arrondissement on the quai facing the river Seine).  There are many job and apartment listings on their bulletin boards.

2. Grab a free issue of the FUSAC (or go to http://www.fusac.org) and read through the apartment listings (this magazine is catered to foreigners and can offer cheap apartments, but you must be quick, first come first serve).  Keep in mind that apartments called ‘chambre de bonne’ are old maid chambers, usually on the last floor (sometimes with a beautiful view of Paris), that have been remodeled into cheap student housing (but depending on the landlord, non-students can rent them too) mostly with a public bathroom and kitchen (or no kitchen at all). 

3.  It is very important, especially in Paris, to be quick in finding and quick in contacting. 

4. Keep in mind that you have to be ready to pay a deposit of up to two months rent and most likely will have to provide identification and verification that you are legally in France with bank statements (if you are studying abroad your school should provide legal documents identifying your legal stay).

5. Most of the time landlords in Paris are worried that you won’t be able to pay and therefore justification with proper documents is key (documents depend on the landlord or agency you go through).

6. Also, once you have your apartment, make sure that you have copies of all legal documents, documents regarding the terms of deposit, an inventory list (note any and all small damages), etc.  Even if these documents are created by you, as long as you and the landlord sign them, you have some sort of insurance and can trace the payment history and all transactions.  Don’t forget to also get a receipt (you can prepare yourself if the landlord doesn’t use their own formula) when you pay every month, so that you have proof of payment, just in case any dispute comes up, because they can. 

Tips
-Finding cheap housing in Paris can be easier as a student.  Students are not as picky and are willing to live in small 10m2 chambre de bonnes. 
-There are a wide variety of very small apartments available for students as many of the schools in Paris house students in such places (cheap, small chambre de bonnes, there is also less paperwork with these types of apartments).
-Have passport copies ready to give to landlords.

Warning:
-The above article is advice gathered from experience, keep in mind that this is not a fool-proof way to find an apartment in Paris, as certain laws and restrictions change.
-It is not guaranteed that the apartment you are booking online looks like the photos.  It is better to see the apartment yourself, especially if it is a lease for more than 3 months.

Resources:

http://www.lodgis.com/en/paris
http://www.fusac.org
http://www.parisattitude.com
http://www.rentapart.com
http://www.all-paris-apartments.com
http://www.apartrental.com