Manuel Ravier, Housing Information Manager at residenceetudiante.fr · Published on September 17, 2026

The short answer

Yes. Home insurance is strictly mandatory for occupying CROUS housing in 2026, whether it is a room in a university residence hall or a studio apartment. You must present a certificate covering tenant liability risks as soon as you receive the keys. Without this document, your admission to the residence can be cancelled immediately.

Key takeaways

• 100% of CROUS residences require a valid home insurance certificate before move-in (source: CNOUS / Etudiant.gouv.fr, 2026 academic year).
• The average cost of home insurance for a CROUS room is €5.50 per month (source: Student Insurance Barometer, 2026).
• The average rent for a renovated CROUS room is €260 per month, excluding APL housing benefits (source: Etudiant.gouv.fr, 2026 data).
• The average rate for a studio in a private residence is €580 per month (source: Meilleursagents.com, 2026 barometer).
• Out of 1,850 residents assisted with their transition to CROUS or private housing in 2026, 95% chose a basic plan with an enhanced civil liability option (residenceetudiante.fr internal data, recorded September 17, 2026).

About the author

Manuel Ravier has been assisting students with housing-related administrative procedures at residenceetudiante.fr for several years. More than 4,000 scholarship recipients and students have relied on his guidance to prepare their housing applications for CROUS halls or private residences.

Is home insurance mandatory in a CROUS residence?

Yes, for all housing managed by the CNOUS/CROUS network. University rooms are subject to a specific occupancy arrangement, distinct from a standard lease. That makes no difference. National regulations require proof of insurance covering rental risks prior to moving in, regardless of the occupant's status or scholarship eligibility.

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