Finding a long-term rental

RENTING a property long-term provides you with a certain security whilst searching for a dream home in France, but finding a place can be tough.

All the books on buying in France recommend renting a place first so that you can get a better idea of an area, and see it outside of just two weeks in the middle of August.

But the books don’t really go into any great detail about finding a place, and as a recent reader of the site said in an email it can be a frustrating experience. He wrote:

The principal problem I have found is in actually getting at web sites that might have long-term rental offerings.
When you start to search under ‘maisons a louer’, you inevitably end up with hundreds of pages of holiday gites.
Whilst most of these are fine for a fortnight, experience indicates that many would not be suitable for longer term living, especially in the winter, and of course, one would not want to be paying anything like normal holiday rates for a long-term rental.

There is no doubt that holiday home properties are often mixed up with places that could be used for a number of months.

I have found one website that appears to provide a range of properties that are let by their owners long-term outside the holiday season.

French Locations is a simple site that offers a large selection of properties across the country, just pick a region and then narrow your search down.

Each property has an extensive description with details of the monthly rent, the periods it is available and an idea of the facilities close by.

Personally, when I looked to rent a property for six months, from October to March, I narrowed down the area I was searching in and prepared a standard email outlining my requirements and circumstances.

Then I contacted the owners of any properties that caught my eye, sending each one my set email message and after a couple of weeks had found a place.

Looking to stay in a place out of season is the key element as most property owners would love to have someone in their place through the winter.

But problems can arise when storing your own furniture and belongings, especially if the place you have your eye on is let furnished.

Again I would check through the description of the place you are keen to stay in, I know a family who came across with everything and stored their things in a barn which was attached to the home they were using.

Another possibility is to store your belongings for a month or two back in the UK and during your time in France look for a place to move your items to. Imagine if you didn’t like the area you were staying in and had to drag everything back across the Channel.

A couple of other things are worth considering when staying in a place for a period of time.

Make sure your chosen property is going to be warm enough in winter, and be clear about what bills you are going to be paying. For example, the price of oil for central heating systems has rocketed over the past months so try and get an idea of the going rate.

Also insist on a telephone being put into the property, mobile phone bills can soon get out of hand and you can also hook up to the internet to expand your property search if required.

And finally if you are looking to extend your rental period it is so much easier to find another place once in an area should you have to leave your original house.

So what hints and tips would you offer?

Related articles:
Take a first step by renting
Letting to house-bunters

Sign up to the free This French Life newsletter... find out more

Comments

[Pamela Moore]

We have a Maison d maitre and a farmhouse in a small hamlet between Periguex and Limoges. We are willing to let either one or both properties on a medium term basis (4 to 12 months)either furnished or unfurnished. The rates vary depending on the time of year, length of rental, etc. If you desire photos or additional information, please contact at pamela@tsr-i.com

[Mr Anthony Guy]

Looking for long term rental, possibly 12 months from May 2007. Interested in seeing pictures of properties you may have available.
We do have a four year old "very well behaved dog" would this be a problem? We are looking for property in the South West. La Rochelle would be nice, but really open to anything really!!
Look forward to your response

[darren]

my partner, cousin and i are looking to make a fresh start in france on a small budget can anyone help us?

[Craig McGinty]

Hi Darren

Many thanks for dropping in on This French Life, hope you find plenty to read.

You might want to start with a piece I wrote a wee while ago, please see:

Tips on moving to France
http://www.thisfrenchlife.com/thisfrenchlife/2004/11/tips_on_moving_.html

Hope this helps

Craig

[Brian Nixon]

I have a house in La Rochelle which I would like to rent out long term. It is a detached house with 4 bedrooms, garage and swimming pool. Please contact brian@belcomnetworks.com

[claire allen]

can eny one help??? we are looking for a 3 bed house in brittany( loude'ac } area. we have a dog who is clean and 2 children, we are hopefully going to move to france permantly, but would like to rent a property for 6 months or more, thanks claire allen

[Brian Dawson]

We are looking to rent a property for 3 to 6 months in the Poitou Charente region whilst we look for a sutable property to take up for residence in France

Our difficult situation is that we have 3 boxer dogs and a parrot so we are looking for a place that allows pets

What are our chances of acheiving a rental

Thanks
Brian and Barbara

[Craig McGinty]

Hi Brian
I think you will just have to send a few emails to see if someone is willing to take you and the "family" in.
The market is quiet at this time of year so you may be able to find a place to rent for a month, which will allow you to track down somewhere else longer term.
If you do find a place to rent in France and have any tips from the experience please feel free to add another comment.
All the best, Craig

[youra]

je souhaite louer ma maison un an du 1er juillet 2007 à juillet 2008, maison en rondins 200 m2, vue sur un lac, piscine
nous contacter
05.55.69.68.76

[ian]

my husband and I are looking for a large property that sleeps up to 14, with a group room and swimmingpool to run workshops and retreats in the Bergerac region. if anyone knows of something within 45 mins of Bergerac we would love to hear fron you.
all the best, Brigit
+44 1582 882414

[Mike]

My daughter is attending school in Rennes and I would like to visit and stay in Rennes from Sept to middle of December.

I'm on a fixed/limited income so a small flat would be fine for me.

Are there any places in Rennes for this?

Thanks much!

[bridget monahan]

Hi,

My husband, myself and our 4 children
are looking for a long term rental
in south west france while we look for
a new family home. Preferably near primary school etc and room for granny
and grandad to visit.

Thanks Bridget

[Ian]

looking for 12 month rental - any nice part of france - rural setting - detached - private - 3 beds min. MUST have 24x7 internet conenction for my work ( travel writer ).
We have 2 very well behaved dogs - one is blind so secure area would help but not essential.
ibizaibizaibiza@hotmail.com

[Tina]

Hi
myself my two children age 9 and 13 two rabbits and two ponys are looking for a long term rental in the averyon , preferably figeac area whilst looking for our new home. maybe something with a barn and a acre or two .

kind regards
Tina

[linda jane barbour]

Hi -I would love rent a property in the South of France to have as a base to look for a property to buy.
I have 2 children and 2 11year old cats both brother and sister. I have a small minature jack russell all very well behaved pets and not noisey etc.
Please send info of your property to rent if all these details above are ok with you- I dont want to spend more than 550 £ per month and would love broadband connection.
Thankyou for your time.have a lovely day all

[Margo Bedingfield]

Dear Linda

I am replying on behalf of my sister, Margo, who has a lovely house in Issigeac in the Dordogne - about 20 mins from Bergerac.

They are very happy to accommodate your cats and jack russel. Their telephone number at home is 00 33 5 61718944. Their e-mail address is as above but they are in the process of replacing a faulty cable.

She would be very happy to tell you more.

Many thanks

Lynn Darwin

[Ruth & Dave]

We have a house for rent 3-6 months in central brittany. Sat TV/Broadband etc., Local english/french speaking support for house hunters. Pets welcome, contact us for more details.

[Arthur Akeroyd]

We need a long term rental.

We are retirees, looking to purchase a home in Perpignan or vicinity. We are willing to work and take care of the rental property. Our email is titiancelt@yahoo.com and phone number1-970-376-2166. We would like to be in France by Middle of May.

[Alexa]

Hi there,
I'm looking for a long term rental from June 07 minimum 6 months with a view to possibly extend, preferably in the Montpellier or Pepignan region.
Ideally 2 or 3 bedrooms and with Sat TV.
Also willing to house sit / maintain a property whilst looking to buy.
Please email me with details if interested.Many thanks

[George Foord]

Looking to rent a 2/3 bed house in Cotes d'Armor (Area 22) around Plancoet. Must have a garden and if furnished storage space for our furniture. Minimum 3 months from September while we house hunt. We are retired with 2 cats.

[Shelley Cowling]

a friend and i are looking for a place to rent for 6 weeks this summer commencing 1st july. we are responsible adults with two well behaved little dogs. please let me know of anything available. thank you

[Louise Spong]

I am looking for a property with 2 bedrooms and reliable internet connection, cat friendly within a one hour drive of Bordeaux/Bergerac, commencing September 2008 for 6-12month period.

Can anyone help?

[Tracy Morris]

Hi,
We have a 2 bedroom apartment in a gated building with communal gardens & guardien and seperate storeroom in the beautiful volcanic national park in Puy de dome, Auvergne. Lovely and warm in summer and 15 mins from ski slopes in winter.
Close to lakes, walking trails and waterfalls in a historical thermale village.
This will be avialble for long term rental from beginning of July.
Rental price negotiable.

[Teri and Simon]

We are looking for a long term rental from the end of July for us and four little dogs while we look for a place to buy. We would like to be near Locarn in the cotes d'armor region. I have just finished 22 yrs service in the Forces and have been living in military provided housing so we are trust worthy tennants.
Can anyone help us please??
Thank you Simon and Teri

[deb]

Hi, we are a family of five with one well behaved dog looking for long term rental in the Vendee from August whilst we look for a home to buy. We need to be within an hours drive of Nantes. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Rob Dewhurst]

Hi

Family of 4 with dog looking in the Dordogne region for long term rental of 6mnths + from this september 07. Need to have broadband connection in property for work as well.

Anyone who has a suitable property please email me at sales@groupwaretrading.co.uk.

Thanks
Rob

[Lyn McIntosh-Sherwood]

My husband and I, both retired, are looking for a small house with a small garden in the Bonneval (28) area of SW France. We have two well behaved dogs and a cat. We are hoping to have our Visas and be there by the first of September. Looking for a long term rental.

Thanks!

Lyn McIntosh-Sherwood

[Mrs. H.J.Eatwell]

We wanted to let our house in Cognac last year, and would have been happy to rent it for 3 or 6 months to house-hunters, had we known of French Locations! I would suggest those looking for a house or flat visit estate agents in your desired area, which is how we let our house, but beware, the usual period is often for 3 years, occasionally for one.

[Rory and Paula England]

Would like a long term term rental to improve our French! Young retired couple. Need room for family to visit during school holidays.

pae49@hotmail.co.uk

[mrs J Diner]

Would like a min 3 month rental in/within 10 miles of La Rochelle, commencing mid/end Sept 07.
View to relocating. We are 2

[Ted Marshall]

Hello,
We have a 3 bedroomed property to let in North Dordogne from Sep 07 onwards until June 08. €650/month exluding electricity and firewood. Please e-mail for details and pictures. marshall.edouard@wanadoo.fr

[Arthur Akeroyd]

Hello, Bonsjour,

We are moving to France beginning of October. The Perpignan region we would like to rent long term in the town or surrounding areas. We have been housesitting and maintaining houses this year. But would like at purchase a property in that beautiful area. My email is titiancelt@yahoo.com - Please let us know if we can take care of your home.

[Mick McGurk]

Hello,

Quillan, Aude, Languedoc - We have a 4 bedroomed furnished, well decorated town house to let in the centre of the old town from Sep 07 (or possibily earlier). €650/month exluding electricity and oil. Please e-mail for details and pictures. mike.mcgurk@btinternet.com

[Glenn carter]

I am looking for a small house or flat 1-2 bedrooms with parking in Dordogne or Bordeaux area but will consider others. 3-6months rental if possible maybe longer. Starting early August if possible. Single professional male. I am writing a book so need some peace! Internet access a must. Tel: +447761 586743. Email: get_carter38@hotmail.com

[odile supper]

hello,
I've an individual house for max 2 adults and 2 children for long term rent from September until April 2008. The house is set on a property which consists of 3 gites in summer and my own house. In the low season, you can have the use of the tennis court if you wish. The house is situated in a very quiet area, 1 km from the village of Couze, 4 min from Lalinde and 20 mn from Bergerac. Tel for inquiries: 00 33 553 27 23 07, portable: 00 33 627 75 13 42 email: toutifaut@hotmail.com
website : holidaygitesdordogne.info

[Sandra Pease]

hi
we would like to rent long term (6-12 months) in the midi-pyrenees around gers or within 100kms or so.Need three bedrooms and most importantly high speed internet. We are retired. I am a writer. We have a small(very) dog. Would need it by around October and would conclude business over the internet. We are in canada at the moment. Also if the house is furnished we need something with a barn?storage as we are shipping our furniture.
Thanks for any help.

[Kerri Roberts]

Hello

We are a family of 4 with children aged 9 and 5 and are looking for a 3 or 4 bedroomed rural property to rent long term from Aug/Sept 2007 for a min period of 1 year in Charente. We are fairly flexible on area but ideally would like to be within half an hour of Confolens. We would prefer unfurnished, although this is not a major factor. An internet connection is essential.

Hope someone can help!!

[Danna]

We are looking for a long term rental in Vaucluse (preferably near Bonnieux) beginning in Sept 07 until June 08. At least 3 bedrooms with grounds. Budget of 5000 - 6000 euro/ month.

[emma mclean]

I have a lovely 3 bedroom village house available for long term rental, unfurnished in Quarante, nr Beziers (34). Garden, terrace, 50m2 attic (yet to be renovated - but great for storage!)Please contact me on this email: emmajmclean@gmail.com for photos and more information. The house is available asap and for however long.

[Louise]

We have a restored 5 bedroomed charentaise house to let for either 6 months or a year, set on a 2 acre plot, with above ground pool. The house is situated in the peace & quiet of the countryside yet only a 5 minute drive from a village with all amenities plus schools. Bordeaux airport 1hr, Bergerac 1hr 30, Poitiers & La Rochelle 1hr 40. Part furnished, pets accepted. Rates vary depending on the time of year, length of rental etc. email for further details plus photographs.

[Jackie Henderson]

Iam a military historian researching and writing on aspects of WW2 - I am looking for a house to rent in either Picardy / Somme department or Haute Normandie. There would be 2 of us but we would like accommodation for 4 - 6 so that family could visit - holidays and Christmas etc. My husband and I are both 60 and we have an extremely well behaved dog!! We would possibly be interested too in Charente area - Ruffec / Civray. we should like the property for as long as possible but at least 1 year. Many thanks. Jackie

[lorraine]

Hi there,
I am looking for a long term rental, unfurnished and 3 or more bedrooms. husband, myself and 3 children, all boys aged 11 and 9 year old twins.

Hopefully as close to spezet as possible.
many thanks
lorraine

[lorraine]

sorry forgot to say brittany region 29

regards
lorraine

[Christine]

Family-2 adults, 4children looking for 6-12 month rental in Perpignan area. Internet access essential. Near schools. No pets, non smokers, well behaved! Pool an advantage but not essential.

[peter cope]

Our beautiful farmhouse 'La Brasserie ' is available for rental for six - eight months. it is in Normandy, near lovely market town Gavray.
4 bedrooms, two sitting rooms,two bathrooms, fully furnished, and sitting in about three acres, in a very peaceful area. Will accept well mannnered pets. rental £650 per month, plus utilities.

[Craig Mcginty]

Many thanks for the messages left by everyone, please remember that if you want to contact someone you can click on a person's name to either get their email or website address.
All the best, Craig

[Wanda]

Hi

I am looking to rent a 3 bed property for min 12 months in the Languedoc region preferably village location, not too rural for myself and 4 year old son and within easy access of a Primary School. Pool would be great and outhouses or extra space for workshop.

[Richard]

Hi
We would like to rent a property from this September (2007)in the Aquitaine region please. Our contact details are:
Email: debsandhovis@aol.com
Family of 4 (Chartered Surveyor and ex-Army officer with 2 children) are looking to rent ideally in the Saint Foy de la Grande area (but would consider all surrounding areas - ie Libourne, Bergerac etc) from September for 3-6months over winter. We are in the process of selling our UK property and buying in France. Our budget is around £600ish per month. We do have a very well-behaved cat (no scratching of furniture) and equally well behaved dog (no chewing and doesn't bark - ever!). We would need 3 bedrooms, a real fire/wood burner and usual mod cons - dishwasher, washing machine, drier etc please. We are non-smokers and are very good at maintaining/looking after a house (have had many years personal experience in both short and long term rentals and know what it takes to be good tenants).



Thank you

[Wendy]

I have a 2 bedromed villa with separate kitchen, garage and small garden with covered terrace. Situated in a quiet residential area of a small town in the Herault, less than 5 minutes walk to public swimming pool and 10 minutes walk to shops, doctors, market, etc. Available furnished or unfurnished.

[lorraine]

We are looking for a house in Bdx or surrounding area (south)starting from end September/October 2007 for about a year.

we both work from home (consultants) therefore need 3 bedrooms and an office, garden and garage. ADSL connectability is vital (we can pay for installment).

ideally unfurnished but will consider all offers.

fingers crossed !