Description:

The rental contract, 'bail', is usually for three years and can be tacitly renewed. If you are planning to move out, you must give three months’ notice or one month if the cause is a change of job or unemployment. The letter of notice must be sent to the landlord by registered post. 

The costs usually associated to a rent include;

• A deposit equivalent to one month’s rent is often requested. In theory it is returned one month after departure.

• Agency costs generally amount to one month’s rent. Rent is payable in advance.

• Many owners also ask for a guarantor (a third person that undertakes to pay the rent should the tenant face financial difficulties).

Il is generally accepted that the amount of the rent should not exceed 30% of the tenant’s net monthly salary which is calculated as the average of the last three payslips.

Accommodation constitutes the main expense for most French households. As in many countries of Europe, town centre accommodation is generally more expensive than on the outskirts. Rents are higher in residential areas and in districts which are well served by means of transport going to the town centre or to economic areas where there are jobs.

The Guide 2 Brittanys guide to towns and villages each contain the average rental and sales price for that area.

You should always remember to ask about the level of the service charge and what you get for it such as heating and hot water.