finding long term housing in Paris

I cannot verify what you were told, but Paris has been struggling with short-term rentals and essentially guest rentals, driving up housing costs for residents who do work in Paris, or going to school, or other needs, so what you were told "rings true".

Any agency, at least above board ones, would likely want some evidence that you have a legal right to reside in France, so something similar would be asked by other agencies.

(we already know that we would have to get a long term visa, but that is a separate matter)?

It appears you have been around on this board enough to know better, that will shortly become "the" matter.

Why would Lodgis be incorrect on this subject? I think what you are bumping into is the chicken and the egg question. Your visa is not a separate matter. They are tied together. Before they invest time and money in assisting you, then want to know if you have a legal right to be there. You may have to start you long term visa application now and find housing later. I am inclined to think that finding houseing is going to be easier than a long stay visa.

If you are in Paris, why not swing by the US embassy. Since they are in France I am sure they would be aware of French regulations affecting American citizens. Probably not the first to ask this question.

have you tried 'swinging by' the US embassy? it isn't your friendly information window.

I would try and get my long-term visa now. If American, you may not just be able to add a year onto your stay. Please do some more research before you secure housing.

I do believe it’s easy to get a 1 yr Visa if you have bank records to show a healthy amount of $ and income.

A lot of people rent for a month, then negotiate with owner for a longer period.

The Facebook group “Americans in Paris” could help answer all your questions.

I am pretty sure you can not apply for a visa while you are physically in France. I am almost certain you have to do it from outside of France (e.g. in the United States if that is your home country).

Lodgis is acting appropriately. They don’t want to sign you up with one of their clients and then you are unable to stay in France, so the client has in effect a no-show renter. They have to be sure the people they are screening can be in France legally — otherwise they are putting their clients in jeopardy.

Kim is right, you have to apply for a Visa in the US. You need to provide an address where you will be living in France when you apply. If you don’t have friends or relatives whose address you can give, you have to rent short term if you’re unable to rent long term (or buy a property) - while you are still living here and applying for a 1 yr Visa.

In 2012 I got a long term Visa to stay in France. I was retired. I am not sure what the laws about this are now, if this scenario is still possible.
While in the US, I found a vacation rental apartment (in Fontainebleau) on VRBO that indicated it would accept long term rentals. The owner was a very friendly and accommodating American, who was glad to rent the apartment to me for a year. I provided this address on my Visa application. Soon after my arrival in France I received a letter at the apartment from French immigration, and had to go into a nearby office to register, and again verify my residence, with a letter from the apartment owner.
Other requirements, adequate income, not working, health care coverage, are requirements also. I suggest going to French Embassy website to view the current requirements for the Carte.

And yes, you have to show proof of health care coverage.