Letting French house.

[knightstyle79]

Our house in North Deux Sevres has not sold so we want to let it, furnished. So where is a good place to advertise to attract UK tenants? We have looked at various sites but they require an advance payment with no guarantee of finding a tenant.

[hils]

Why do you want UK tenants?

H

[parsnips]

Originally Posted by hils

Why do you want UK tenants?

H

Hi,
Possibly because they have heard the many horror stories about french tenants who don't pay rent, and who cannot be evicted without lengthy legal proceedings, and often trash the house.
There are ,of course, bad UK tenants, but maybe they think they can judge prospective tenants better in their own language.

[hils]

Originally Posted by parsnips

Hi,
Possibly because they have heard the many horror stories about french tenants who don't pay rent, and who cannot be evicted without lengthy legal proceedings, and often trash the house.
There are ,of course, bad UK tenants, but maybe they think they can judge prospective tenants better in their own language.

maybe ..... but it is restricting their market.

& irrespective of nationality of owner/tenant, French Law re evictions etc will still apply.

In their situation, I would place the property in the hands of a local agent - although of course their income would be less - & let them deal with the hassle of non-payment, breakages etc etc. And if they still want to sell the property, this would also smooth the passage so that the agent can keep all parties informed (yeah yeah I know ..... and pigs might fly ....), but nevertheless ...

H

[knightstyle79]

Reason for Uk tenants is that we had bad experience with French tenant some years ago, holes in walls, broken fixtures etc. Plus the house is set up for UK Sky plus TV, no bidets and WCs in bathrooms. We have got it on with three local French agents but in 7 months no interest, probably because of the above and it is furnished.
So back to my original request, where is a good place to advertise? I don't want to pay for nothing.

[hils]

Originally Posted by knightstyle79

Reason for Uk tenants is that we had bad experience with French tenant some years ago, holes in walls, broken fixtures etc. Plus the house is set up for UK Sky plus TV, no bidets and WCs in bathrooms. We have got it on with three local French agents but in 7 months no interest, probably because of the above and it is furnished.
So back to my original request, where is a good place to advertise? I don't want to pay for nothing.

OK fair enough, though I don't think the issues you mention (TV etc) would normally be an impediment to a french let.

However, that aside, do you need the income, or do you just want the house looked after and the utilities paid? Note: if someone else is living in it, normally, the occupier will be responsible for the taxe d'habitation, insurance for contents, damages and civil liability, and, normally, will take over the services - irrespective of nationality.

Have you tried Gumtree (free)? For a "gardiennage" try advertising in some of the up-market publications - Country Life, The Lady, or the Sunday supplements, etc. - but they, of course, will cost. There are also mags for French "living" so you might try some of those.

Otherwise, if there are any international companies in the area (here, for example, Michelin isn't too far away), you could try contacting their personnel departments and offering the house for let through them. They often have "foreign" nationals coming across on a year or 2-year contract needing accommodation.

Sorry can't be more help - we know all the French places to advertise, but the UK market has changed since I last checked it out.

Hils

[DPK]

Try googling "Long Term lets in France"

There are about six sites which are aimed at UK tenants. A lot of the properties are winter lets but there are also year round lets.

You pay a fairly nominal sum to advertise, and deal directly with the applicants yourself.

A friend uses one of the sites for two houses he has, and is very happy with the service and results.

Good Luck

[knightstyle79]

Thanks both, yes I have tried googling and really am asking which of the many sites that come up are worth paying around £100 for? Has anyone got good or bad experiences with these.
There are no centres of employment around here, nearest town is Secondigny 79.
Will look at UK mags.

[DPK]

I can send you the site my friend uses as a private mail, once I work out how to do it!

Denise

[DPK]

Cannot send you a PM.

Says you have chosen not to receive PM's. Think you may need to adjust profile?

I have to go out very shortly so will try again later.

Denise