Long term lets

Long Term Lets

If you are considering moving to France and think you would like to rent before you buy please read the useful info below. Do not be misled by TV programmes which are out of date, read our pages and get the 'up to date' info!

We have a list of people waiting for suitable long term lets - if you are considering a long term rental of your property let us know - we might have the perfect tenant!

We can often provide far more information about the properties - some of them are known to us personally. Worried about contacting the owner direct? Contact us first.

One of the first things most people want to do when they decide to move to France is 'find a long term rental' while they check out an area and buy a house, however, finding details of long term lettings can be very difficult if you are trying to do it from outside France.

We have been through this experience and want to help so within this website you will find a variety of properties available to house hunters or those wishing to experience the French culture prior to taking that final step.

'Long term rental' for house hunters generally means anything from one to six months or sometimes longer if they cannot find the right property to buy.

Normal French owned rentals are usually for 3 years on a contract with the owner and are handled mostly by immobilier or estate agents. Generally these are unfurnished except for a bathroom and a sink. You will need to give around three months notice if you want to leave.

Please be aware that it is not easy to find a long term rental during the summer season.

Most of the properties you will find for rent here are only going to be available for the winter period, often this is October to April. In general, they are furnished and include most common appliances. It is usual for ovens to run on bottled gas, freely available at most supermarket garages and local village shops.

Not all properties have a telephone line installed, which means no internet, so you may need a mobile phone. If you do need to be in touch by internet see if the property you are looking at is near a library. As in UK lots of libraries provide internet access. If the property has a line but is not in use, by negotiation with the owner, you may be able to reconnect at a cost of approx. 55 euros. www.francetelecom.com has an English speaking helpline, and an English language page on the website.

If you are taking electrical items to France do take plenty of adapters with you so that you can plug phone chargers, hairdryers etc. straight in. However, be aware that the power supply to some properties may not allow you to run every electrical appliance at the same time. It is a good idea to have some tea lights ready in a safe container in case of power cuts, and a torch kept in easy reach. Storms in France often cut the power supply.

Be aware that the rent will not normally include the utilities, gas, water, electricity and oil are usually charged according to usage. Mains water is usually metered. If you are renting in the summer there may be restrictions on water usage for gardens, car washing, pools and other non essentials.

Please mention this website and quote the Reference Number when responding to these adverts, thank you.