If you do your own letting, you will need to arrange for cleaning, maintenance and security, including pool cleaning and a gardener if applicable.
You should also allow for the consumption of electricity, gas, water, etc. by your tenants and the cost of additional equipment (e.g. cots and highchairs for children).
When letting a property, you should take care not to underestimate maintenance and running costs, which can be considerable.
If you have a second home in France, you will find it beneficial or even essential to employ a local caretaker, irrespective of whether you let it. You may also need to employ a gardener. You can have your caretaker prepare the house for your family and guests as well as looking after it when it isn’t in use. If you have a holiday home in France, it’s wise to have your caretaker check it periodically (e.g. fortnightly) and to give him authority to authorise minor repairs. If you let a property yourself, your caretaker can arrange for (or do) cleaning, linen changes, maintenance and repairs, gardening and the payment of bills. Ideally you should have someone on call seven days a week who can repair broken appliances or arrange any necessary maintenance.
Properties are often damaged and occasionally ruined by holidaymakers, so make sure you have a good contract, take an adequate deposit and have your guests sign an inventory as well as having someone on call to repair the damage.
If you employ a caretaker or housekeeper (femme de ménage) you should expect to pay at least the minimum wage (€8.03 per hour in 2005), possibly plus social security costs.
Note that most people aren’t security conscious when on holiday, and you should therefore provide detailed instructions for guests regarding security measures and emphasise the need to secure the property when they’re out. It’s also important for them to be security-conscious when in the property, particularly when having a party or in the garden, as it isn’t unusual for valuables to be stolen while guests are outside.
TIP: Security is of paramount importance when buying a home in France, particularly if it will be left empty for long periods. Obtain advice from local security companies and neighbours and take note of what they tell you. However, bear in mind that no matter how good your security, a property is rarely impregnable, so you should never leave valuables in an unattended home unless they’re kept in a safe.
When leaving a property unattended, it’s important to employ all the security measures available, including the following:
It’s possible to employ a ‘house-sitter’ to look after your home while you’re away. People looking for house-sitting work sometimes advertise in the English-language press.
Bear in mind that prevention is always better than cure, as stolen property is rarely recovered. If you have a robbery, you should report it to your local police station, where you must make a statement. You will receive a copy, which is required by your insurance company if you make a claim.
This article is an extract from Buying a home in France. Click here to get a copy now.