Visale vs SmartGarant: Understanding your guarantor options in France

1. Visale: What You Need to Know

Visale is a free guarantee offered by Action Logement.

It acts as your guarantor and covers your rent, charges, and certain damages if you face payment difficulties.

In short:

• ✔ Free

• ⏳ Takes a few days to be validated

• 🎯 Strict eligibility requirements (age, job situation)

• 📝 Your landlord must accept Visale

• ⭐ Great option if you’re under 31 and you’re a student or in a work-study program

2. SmartGarant: The Flexible and Fast Option

SmartGarant is a modern private guarantor, 100% online and open to all profiles: students, expats, CDD, freelancers, retirees, etc.

In short:

• 💳 Paid service (around €413/year)

• ⚡ Attestation delivered in ~2 hours

• 🏡 Very well accepted by landlords

• 🚀 Strongly boosts your rental application

• 🌍 Ideal if you’re coming from abroad or don’t have a French guarantor

3. Quick Comparison

4. Which One Should You Choose?

👉 Choose Visale if you’re eligible and your landlord accepts it.

👉 Choose SmartGarant if you need a fast guarantor, if you’re not eligible for Visale, or if the landlord requires a strong and flexible guarantee.