Long term rentals in France

FRANCE is a hugely popular country to visit but in many areas there can be an oversupply of gîte accommodation.

This coupled with a relatively short summer season can make it difficult for many rental property owners to sustain a viable business, writes Ross Husband.

The ability to rent your property out for longer periods either off-season or year-round can be attractive to many owners.

These longer lets can offer owners the ability to maximise the rental potential of their property - peak season holiday rentals and long off-season rentals can be a winning combination.

While some owners opt for long lets year round with no changeovers and a regular monthly income.

The market for long lets is healthy in many areas of France. They are popular with house hunters from northern Europe, especially the UK, who are looking to rent before buying, retirees looking for a long winter break, artists, writers, or those on sabbaticals.

Most properties are let furnished, but there are different rules for unfurnished properties and leases for these normally run for three years minimum.

If you are considering renting your property out for longer lets you should ensure that it is adequately heated and equipped for the winter months - even the south of France can experience very cold weather.

Ensure that the tenant is given accurate and comprehensive details of your property at the outset, including the monthly rental price, location, type of accommodation, interior style and furnishings, facilities, details of any outside space and surrounding area.

Photos are extremely important in any advert, try to include a good balance of interior and exterior shots. A picture of a welcoming open log fire or wood-burning stove is a good idea for long winter rentals.

Ideally the tenant should view the property and meet the owners before committing to a rental, this is particularly important for longer lets of six months or a year.

Prospective tenants need to ensure they know exactly what the monthly costs will be. Are utilities, logs, linen, local taxes included or are they extra? Is a deposit required, when is the monthly rental due and what currency is acceptable?

If you are looking to buy property but are unsure of the exact area, two or three longer lets in different areas can be a good option. We did just that before purchasing our place in France.

Whether its extra revenue for the owner or a life changing experience for the tenant, long lets can be rewarding.

Ross Husband runs the Rent a place in France website which offers properties for winter lets and long term rental in France, for periods of one month and more.

Comments

[Robert & Agnes Reid]

We are a retired couple (Scotland) seeking long term rental in either Brittany or Normandy.
From 1st April 2008.
Preferably with two to three bedrooms in an unfurnished property
(or furnished with large storage space for own furniture)
Our intention is to purchase and settle in France.

[Sarah Rose]

Hello to all you brave and wonderful people who have dared to venture out of our cold dark Britain.

I am looking for advice on long term renting and you may possibly have the answer!.. My fiance and i are looking for a house, somewhere along the west, or south coast, from next summer 2009. We were going to buy a property next year, but have now decided to be a little more cautious and rent in a nice area first!

No further than 45 mins from a coastline and preferably no further than an hour from an airport. We are open to suggestions!

It must have at least 4 bedrooms, as i would like my mother and 3 children to visit us when they like (just starting to cut the apron strings is not so easy!). It must be doggy friendly, but only for when my mother brings her 'very friendly' border collie over. I would love to find a place that either has horses that i can ride, or a riding stable nearby.

I need to make those special contacts with others abroad so that we dont feel isolated, as we are very friendly sociable people. Also the rental will need EXCELLENT internet connection, as my fiance runs his business on line (he is a consultant engineer and i qualified as an English Teacher, but now help my fiance).

I would love to have a pool, or shared pool and if the accommodation could have some oldy woldy original fireplace, etc features, that would be a bonus.

The areas we have been looking at are between south Loire coastish, and down to south La Rochelle, but we are open to suggestions!

We are planning to visit different areas at least 3 times this year, so if anyone has nice places for us to stay, it would be great to arrange and meet others who have already taken the plunge!

Looking forward to your replies

Sarah and Mike xxx

[Susan Lane]

I am looking for a long term rental of 3 - 6 months from September 2008 in the Port of Nice, preferably right on the Port with a view of the harbour from the windows.I am currently renting a very good holiday let but it may prove expensive for a longer term arrangement. I am looking for 2 actual bedrooms though would also consider 1 bedroom; As I am writing, I will need internet/wifi/phone connection, plus tv and full working kitchen so I can cook all the lovely local produce. I shall be renting for one person, myself for all of the time and will have an occasional guest/relative for a week or so. I would like the rental charge to include all bills. I am a non smoker, have no children nor pets to consider. As I am currently in Nice I would be available to view suitable properties, Many thanks Susan

[Julien&Alice]

We offer a long term rental opportunity in an unfurnished renovated house separated into two accommodations (approx. 90 sqm basement + 1st floor each) located in Beauronne, near Mussidan in the Dordogne.

Accommodation n° 1: kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, lavatory, shower, garage, small terrace, garden.

Accommodation n° 2: kitchenette, living room with fireplace, two bedrooms, lavatory, bathroom, small terrace, garden.

More infos under:
http://beauronne-dordogne-rental.blogspot.com/

[Deborah Eaton]

Single woman with 2 very well behaved dogs, looking to rent a 2-bed property with private pool for 6 months.

Would like the tenancy to begin from the second week in May but am flexible.

Prefer rural and will be looking into renting a small car if need be.

Smoke but willing to confine this to outdoors if necessary

Maximum rent would be 700 euros per month all-inclusive.

If suitable please get back in touch?

Many thanks.

Debbie

[FRANK G PATTERSO]

LOOKING TO RENT A 2 BEDROOM PROPERTY IN THE CHARENTE OR LIMOUSIN REGION FOR A PERIOD OF 6
MTHS...
THIS IN ORDER TO CHECK OUT AS TO WHERE WE WOULD LIKE TO BUY.

FRANK AND LYNNETTE

[Jutta Reynolds]

I am looking for a property with some land to rent or lease for approx one year with the option to purchase. The property should be suitable to establish a small but charming B + B business.

[Mary Capocci]

Hi
I am looking to rent a property in France for one month this August. I know I am leaving it very late to find anywhere.
We are felible about our dates between July and August.
There are four of us. We dont mind about sleeping arrangements so can have 1 bedroom plus. We dont mind a larger house.
We would like a pool or to be close to the beach. With easy acess to a port (to England).
If you know of anywhere suitable or have a place we could stay in for the month I would be most grateful to hear from you.
Thank you in advance for all your help and taking the time to read this.
Mary

[Susan Lane]

I am looking for a long term rental of 6-12 months from mid September 2008 in the Port of Nice, preferably right on the Port with a view of the harbour from the windows. I am looking for 2 actual bedrooms though would also consider 1 bedroom; As I am writing, I will need internet/wifi/phone connection, plus tv and full working kitchen so I can cook all the lovely local produce. I shall be renting for one person, myself for all of the time and will have an occasional guest/relative for a week or so. I would like the rental charge to include all bills. I am a non smoker, have no children nor pets to consider. I would be available to view suitable properties, Many thanks Susan

[Steven]

I am looking for a long term rental from November to February/March 2009.I need internet and Sky television in a two bedroomed appartment not too far from a railway station.I would be willing to rent for several years.

[john o connell]

HAVE LUXURY APT TO LET IN LE BOULOU 8KM FROM SPANISH BORDER WARM CLIMATE ALMOST ALL YEAR ROUND
AIR CON ETC
APT IS IN OLD TOWN HOUSE WELL LOCATED TO MED SEA AND MOUNTAINS STUDIO 1 BED OR 2 BED APTS TO LET

[Gerry]

We posted this ad a couple of weeks ago on the forum. Since then we've advertised it on the web with photos that you can see here:

http://www.premierfrenchproperty.com/property/long-term-rental-large-character-stone-farmhouse-dordogne-and-lot-et-garonne-borders

Here's a short description of the property for rent.

Completely renovated stone farmhouse situated 20 minutes south of Bergerac airport in the Lot-et-Garonne.

Available in January 2009. Minimum 6 months to 3 years.

The farmhouse has over 200m2 of habitable space. On the ground floor is a new, fitted kitchen of 25m2 with woodburner, lounge of 50m2 with woodburner and downstairs toilet. On the first floor are two large bedrooms of 25m2 and bathroom of 25m2. On the second floor are a further two bedrooms of 16m2 and shower room. There are electric radiators in each room.

The property, on the edge of a small village, sits on the top of a hill in five acres with beautiful views to the south. It is 3km from the bastide town of Castillonnes and 9km from Villereal. Tenants will have full use of the newly installed 10m x 5m swimming pool.

[Suzanne Kendell]

Hi
I am looking for a long term rental for the month of july 09...There are 2 adults and 4 children in my family. We would ideally like a property with a pool/shared pool, in the Loire or Charente area. I am finding great difficulty getting responses to my request...please help!!!
Yours
Suzanne Kendell

[kelle]

im looking for a two bedroomed property in the languedoc area for myself and daughter. we are looking to be moving of summer 09, fully furnished, local schools near by.

[kelly]

hi
im looking for a two bedroomed house to rent for long term for myself and 5 year old daughter. fully furnished is required, possibly a pool/shared pool, local state run schools near by as i dont drive. any information will be happily taken.
thanks
kelly

[Sheila Lloyd]

I have a two bedroomed converted barn, complately modernised. Please see www.trausseholidayrentals.net for al information. It is available as a long winter let until end March 2009, possibly april 2009. If you are interested we can discuss special rates, etc.

[Karen Kingham]

Can anyone help us?
We are loking for a long term rental, from 31st Jan 2009 .. for a minimum of 12 months.possibly longer. We are looking for a permanent move to France. We have two children, (9 and 5) and a Border Terrier (2)
We are looking for a 4 bed (min), unfurnished (or furnished with storage) house, with garden, (pref pool..but not essential)and broadband.. other than that we are flexible...(!)
If anyone can help, please contact us, we have tennants for our house in the UK moving in on 31st January 2009...and as yet no where for us to move to!

[Dave Fox]

We have a 4/5 bed new house in Erdeven (in a 10-house hamlet) on a 1300m2 plot. Carnac, Auray, Vannes are all nearby and we are some 10 mins from superb beaches/sands. Currently being decorated, we feel that our family house-to-be will more than suffice.

[Una]

Hi I have a lovey 1bed apartment in Villefranche-sur-mer, one of the most beautiful towns on the french riviera. It's only 5 minutes from the centre of Nice and 17 minutes from Monaco. I am renting it out long term starting immediately. It's a perfect place to experience living on the cote d'azur.
Please don't hesitate to contact me for more info.
Una

[Tomas]

Looking to long-term rent apartment closed to Nice

[Sharon Ward Giles]

Hi, I am looking for a house with a little land maybe a swimming pool. A smalll holding or something like that for my family to rent for 6 months. We would like to buy in france but want to try it first. We would need 5 bedrooms. My son has a job in the south, Memosa starting in April 09.Can anyone help

[Heather]

We are a retired couple looking for a long term rental in the Dordogne for possibly 6 months to a year.
We would need at least two bedrooms and broadband access.

[Erica]

Hi!
I have a beautiful studio: one space with kitchenette, sitting/sleeping area,a beautiful terrace with breath-taking views, plus possibly an extra bedroom,internet facilities,suitable for two people.The studio is at the edge of a small village, with no shops, but friendly people (I am one of them, living next door)plenty of quiet and at walking distance from a beautiful forest.
The studio is available for long term rental and is situated in the Gard, near the river Ardèche.

[Lynne]

LOOKING FOR UNA
RE APT IN VILLEFRANCHE-SUR-MER

PLEASE contact me elginwood@yahoo.com Thanks!
Lynne
Una commented on Saturday, November 08, 2008, 9:48:30 AM | Una
Hi I have a lovey 1bed apartment in Villefranche-sur-mer, one of the most beautiful towns on the french riviera. It's only 5 minutes from the centre of Nice and 17 minutes from Monaco. I am renting it out long term starting immediately. It's a perfect place to experience living on the cote d'azur.
Please don't hesitate to contact me for more info.
Una

[karolina]

Hi,
My husband and I are looking for long term rent appartment (6 months or longer) in Nice center, 1-2 bedroom. We would like to move in as soon as possible. Many thanks, Karolina

[Cathrine Tennant]

Hi,

My husband and I are looking for a long term let in Burgundy. Min 6 months but hopfully longer.

A three/four bedroomed property with gardens for our children to play in would be ideal.

Many Thanks,

Cathrine

[Marguerite Slade]

We are a retired couple and are looking for around 5 months' rental in Northern France whilst we wait out the British quarantine regulations with our 3 dogs and 3 cats. We will move from North Cyprus during October. The property needs to be rural, furnished and with at least two bedrooms. If you are able to help, we could put other couples in the same situation your way! Email address: margi@kktc.net. Phone: 0090 392 821 2502

Marguerite and Ian Slade

[aubriella]

Hi,we're looking for a small apartment,fully furnished to rent for 2 to 3 months(july,aug.sept) for 2 people somewhere along the NICE area.
Thanks
aubriella

[Geoff and Yvonne Allsup]

We are a retired couple and would like a long term rental for 1/2 years in Charente-Maritime or Charente from March 2009. Ideally it would be unfurnished and have 3/4 bedrooms, reasonable sized garden + swimming pool? We will eventually purchase a property in France but would like to move to this area for the time being. Thank you for your help in this matter.

[Bill Colegrave]

We have a magnificent 8 bedroom villa near Grasse, Cote D'Azur available for long term or short term rental immediately. Suitable for family moving to the area for extended period and wonderful for vacation rent. It also makes a brilliant business proposition as rentals are very good in the summer and some winter months.

[Pauline]

am looking for 12 month rental near or outside Uzes in the Gard area. Sleep up to 4 people. Any ideas?

[Jayne]

We have a two bed cottage which is available for long term let from the end of August this year. It is about one hours drive from Uzes, in the cevennes mountains. Please check out the link above. http://www.lavenderie.co.uk

[Melanie]

We have a spacious 3 bed house and 2 bed gite to let either together, so you can try your hand at running gites without the financial outlay, or just the main house, outbuildings and land and we'll run the holiday let ourselves. Please check out the website for more details.

[Colm]

We are a couple with 2 well behaved dogs looking for a house with a garden for long term rental somewhere on the South coast in the Antibe/Cannes/Valbonne are. If anyone can help its much appreciated.

[Gerry]

Available from July 2009 for six months max. 500 euros/month.Furnished.

http://www.premierfrenchproperty.com/property/long-term-rental-dordogne-with-fabulous-views-minutes-bastide-town-eymet

Stone property with pigeonnier and converted stable block. Two beds. Near Bergerac

[Hannah]

We are a couple looking for a 2/3 bed property to rent for a minimum of 6 months whilst we decide if a permanent move is for us, if it is then we will want to rent for longer. We have a cat and small dog and would like a garden and parking.

[Simmie]

Looking to rent long term from Oct 09 for at least 6 months in the South of France, accessible by Nice airport. 1 lady with small guide dog + 1 occasional visitor. Need internet connection and walking distance to shop.

[Su Croucher]

We have a spacious 1/2 bedroomed cottage for long term rent, set in the heart of Brittany.
Easy access to ferry ports and airports. Excellent local ammenities.
Available mid October 09.
For more information please email us at marketsu@gmail.com

[gerry]

Anyone looking for a long-term let in Lauzun (Lot-et-Garonne). Very nice village property, three beds, tons of character. Ideally, one year but would consider short-term also. 20 mins south of Bergerac airport.

More details here:

http://www.premierfrenchproperty.com/property/medieval-village-house-long-term-rental-borders-dordogne-and-lot-et-garonne

[Niamh]

My parents, a retired couple, are looking for a 2-bed apartment to rent in central Nice for 4 months from October 2009 to Feb 2010.

[Louisa Partington]

We have a farmhouse to rent out for winter lettings from 1 October 2009 to 30 April 2010 (but flexible on timing) near Montcuq and Montaigu de Quercy in the Lot in the Midi Pyrenees. Please contact me if you are interested in further details. Ideal for a couple and pets would be fine at E600 pcm neg.
www.quercyblancvilla.com louisa.partington@hotmail.com

[mrs s kilby]

we are looking to rent for at least a year and are looking for a three bedroom house in brittany near carhaix.

[Sarah]

Single professional female with 2 very well behaved dogs, looking to rent a small property for 3-6 months with the possibility to extend beyond this period.

Would like the tenancy to begin from the first week in September 2010.

Very flexible on location, preferably South France, village/town location with access to the coast.

Im a non-smoker.

Any offers or ideas, please get in touch on sjn1@btinternet.com

Many thanks
Sarah

[Lesley Robertson]

I have a lovely 2 bed/bathroom semi detatched property in Sarthe (Dept 72) near the town of La Chatre Sur Le Loir, 40 mins south of Le Mans, 50 north of Tours, lovely rural location with lots of ground, children and pet friendly. Property has full gas central heating, lots of parking, 2 km from the village. Long term let available from 1 - 6 months, longer term possible with discussion.

Many thanks

Lesley

[samNTHA WHEELWRIGHT]

hi there me and my family are looking for a 2 bedroom house any where in europ at a long trem let of up 2 1,2 years at a fixed rent of around 250 to 350 plz get bk to me if any one nos any info plz sammie and family

[Steven]

HI
we are looking for a long term rental in South of France/Provence starting March/April May. Flexible on areas but preferably 3/4/5 bedrooms pool good standard and furnished.
Hope someone can help
Steven nuala.b@btinternet.com

[Emily Jones]

LOOKING FOR LAST MINUTE THREE-FOUR MONTH RENTAL

We are looking to escape London for a few months this Spring / Summer - either four months April - July 2010 or three months May - July 2010.

We are hoping to find somewhere with its own pool, with internet access, child-friendly, where we can eat outside and in a beautiful location - ideally in a picturesque village so we can stroll down cobbled streets to get our baguettes in the morning (yes we have started to dream!) and visit the local market. If it were near to a beach or a lake, and near to interesting towns, even better.

My husband, daughter and I would be there the whole time, and we would hope to have enough room to be able to invite friends and family to stay - a minimum of three bedrooms, but ideally four.

Any ideas gratefully received. Thanks in advance emily_bradshaw@hotmail.com

[marian sheibani]

My husband are looking to rent a furnished cottage with a garden in either the Cente or Bourgogne region of France. Ideally the tenancy would be minimum of 6 months but would like a 12 month contract. Neither of us are smokers nor do we have any pets.

[Wilfred Thomas Degens]

I am looking for a long term rental on a castle or big farm for only myself and my 4 year old King Charles who never barks and is perfect educated.I am willing to look after dogs and horses with extensive experience.
Max rent 1000 euro incl. w.degens@chello.nl

[Gordon Bellamy]

My wife and I are looking for a place to rent in Nice from March 2011. Ideally close to old town. Will commit for min 6 mths - 1 year. would like to think we can rent a 1 bedroom apartment all up for 800 euros mth. will be in Nice April 2010 to view. Pls contact me at lausgords@hotmail.com