Intergenerational shared housing—where seniors and students live together—is gaining traction in France, especially in major cities plagued by soaring rents and housing shortages. Before diving in, it's essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks for both parties, as we'll outline here based on established practices and real-world experiences.
Students benefit from affordable—or even free—housing options, securing rooms in high-demand urban areas where rents are notoriously high. This setup often means access to safer neighborhoods, spacious apartments or houses with gardens, and well-maintained, quiet environments that rival traditional rentals.
Beyond finances, it combats isolation for both: students returning from classes and seniors facing daily solitude. These arrangements foster genuine human connections through sharing, mutual understanding, and enriching exchanges.
In exchange for reduced rent, students typically handle light tasks like errands, booking appointments, or meal prep. Seniors can pass down recipes, gardening tips, or life wisdom, while students introduce tech savvy, new languages, or games like chess—provided there's good chemistry and clear agreements.
Since the ELAN law (Evolution of Housing, Development, and Digital Technology), published November 24, 2018, in the Official Journal, a solidarity intergenerational cohabitation contract has been available. This enables both landlords and tenants to qualify for personalized housing assistance (APL), removing previous barriers.
Success hinges on mutual effort: both parties must prioritize understanding, sharing, and respecting each other's independence.
Adaptation to differing lifestyles requires tolerance, open-mindedness, and adherence to jointly set rules.
For students, this means maintaining calm, showing patience, avoiding disruptive parties, and offering minor help—but not caregiving duties.
Hesitant? Nonprofits match compatible roommates after careful selection. Participants sign a 'One Roof, Two Generations' charter, clarifying rights and responsibilities.
Organizations like Habitat et Humanisme offer social housing for intergenerational coliving, targeting autonomous individuals with modest incomes—such as single-parent families, those under 30, or over 55. Shared amenities include gardens, terraces, and communal rooms, with tenant associations managing these spaces.
