When selecting a rental apartment, one crucial factor that often hides in the fine print or only emerges in reviews is the presence of stairs. We’re not just referring to a couple of flights, but rather six, seven, or even eight flights. After a full day of exploring Paris on foot, climbing numerous flights of stairs can be incredibly exhausting. Some examples of where your feet are going to take you.

When the apartment you choose has an elevator, chances are the price will be higher and I can tell you it’s worth it. Think dragging your luggage up, your groceries, your tired self. And then there’s the elevator which many times can only fit two and is a little rickety. When reading the apartment reviews search for “sometimes works.”

Room temperature is another factor to consider. If you’re renting in the colder seasons many apartments are controlled by the entire building’s system. The heat usually doesn’t get turned on until mid-October or November (in most cases- the Haussmanns). When spring arrives, the heat may get turned off in May depending on the building’s rules. Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for landlords to adhere strictly to these schedules, often asserting that no exceptions can be made.

If you happen to be lucky, the closet might possibly have some extra blankets, and there could potentially be a space heater in the main room. But don’t get your hopes up. In the off chance that there is a heated towel rack in the bathroom or kitchen, you might attempt cranking up the heat to high and pray that it spreads to the other rooms. Last summer, the city experienced unusually high temperatures. However, don’t hold your breath for air conditioning, as it is also a rarity.

A view and a balcony also ramp up the price. Again, well worth it, you’re in Paris and have paid a premium just getting there. If you’re planning a month or more, that’s something else to consider, pro or con.

Internet is a must. Again read the reviews to check for reliability and speed. It’s the first thing you’ll want to do during check in when your landlord, the concierge or their rep is showing you around. Test it, make sure you have connectivity and the password. The same goes for the tv if that’s important to you. Learn how to operate the controls.

Before you’re left on your own, here’s your survival checklist: decode the mysteries of the dishwasher, conquer the stove and microwave, and befriend the laundry equipment. The buttons can look like mumbo jumbo on modern European appliances. Lastly there’s the ancient door and its quirky keys – a true test of wit and dexterity.  Don’t be afraid to ask for the “turning technique” demonstration and test those locks multiple times – it’s not like they ever come with a spare set. And if by some miracle they do, guard them with your life or get that emergency contact on speed dial, because losing them is not an option!

One last factor to consider is noise. Reviews can sometimes provide helpful insights. Landlords may claim that the area is quiet, but it’s important to take note of whether your apartment faces a busy street, if there are cafes, nightclubs, or ongoing construction nearby. These details are crucial. It’s difficult to discern if the walls are thin and if your neighbor is noisy, a smoker, or enjoys watching loud TV until you actually move in. These are just precautionary measures and things to be mindful of.

Note: the Paris Olympics are nearing and the city has increased room tax three fold. Your hotel or apartment rental may cost quite a bit more if renting July through August 2024.