Letting your France Property

HOW MUCH TO CHARGE FOR YOUR FRANCE PROPERTY

You can research the rental potential of France property in your area. Browse web sites and brochures which include properties to rent in your area. Make lists of the price charged for those as similar to yoursas you can find.

Write down the different amounts charged for each season. Don't be fooled that your property  an hours drive from the sea is comparable to one a 10 minute walk from the sea - although it may have its own delights a seaside home can't offer. It will need some extra 'pulling power' to give it the 'wow factor'. A villa without a pool will usually command much less rent than one with a private pool. These details each make a difference- you must really try to compare like for like. If you over price, you may struggle to get bookings, particularly outside the 6 weeks in high summer. Eventually, you can hope to achieve around 15-16 weeks of lets once you build up a database of happy previous tenants, and are benefiting from recommendations.
 
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Leaving tea, coffee, milk, bread and a carton of juice
can make a big difference to a family after a long journey.
And a surprise bottle of wine and a vase of flowers never go amiss!

THE GUEST MANUAL

This contains all the information about your France property that may be of use to your guests. If you give your clients keys, rather than have someone meet and greet, your Guest Manual will be of special importance- it must answer all their initial questions. Points it must cover include:

Instructions for all the appliances in the property
how to work the heating and hot water
rubbish disposal arrangements
pool instructions and advice
community restrictions if applicable
where are the nearest shops and supermarkets- with opening times
nearest doctor and pharmacy
contact numbers in case of emergency- particularly that of your local contact.

Do check it whenever you visit- it is important to keep the information up to date. A Guest Book is often provided.
Holiday makers give their comments on your home and the surrounding area, and mention local features they feel may be off interest to future holiday makers.

TAKING BOOKINGS

If you do not use a booking agency, you will have to set up a system to handle them yourself.

You will need to choose a changeover day.

You must also prepare an availability calendar, on which you can mark booked dates.

Be sure you keep accurate records of all enquiries and bookings.

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  Keeping these records up to date is essential- or you risk a double booking!

You will have to prepare various standard letters to send out:

1] alongside your brochure when you receive an enquiry about the property
2]confirming a booking and the receipt of the deposit
3]as a reminder if guests forget their balance payment
4] details of the route and entry arrangements - when the rental has been paid in full.

For e-mail enquiries you can keep a standard e-mail reply
giving a few brief details, and say that the full brochure is on its way.
 
PREPARING A BROCHURE

that it has a dishwasher / washing machine
the pool, the lovely gardens , its privacy , its views
how near are shops and restaurants- if you can walk to any, make a feature of this.
Mention sunny evening strolls, or walking for fresh bread in the morning

Take photos on a sunny day. Give a list of the rooms, mention any doors to terraces, and of course, any en-suite bathrooms. A photo can say a thousand words- as long as it is a good photo! Expect to use a whole film-or digital memory card to get 2-3 good shots.
Don't take just one and hope for the best. Don't skimp on printing or copying quality.
Bleached out of fuzzy copies will not win you bookings.

FURNISHING FOR RENTAL

Leave the delicate antiques out!
But also, don't cobble together all the bits of furniture you have been longing to get rid of. Good quality, strong furniture and equipment is essential. As you shop, consider the continual use it will face- and that not all holiday makers will be as careful as you would like. Folding plastic dining chairs will last about a month- a solid simple wood chair could last years.

Things will get broken- this is always a cost of letting. But careful choices of furniture and other equipment will help minimize the damage. Tiled and wood floors are super throughout.
Carpets are likely to become stained- it is easier to clean or replace a rug.

Washable covers on soft furnishings are another good idea-
and a spare set of covers will help when they do need removing for washing.

Don't clutter the rooms with dodgy ornaments you have been meaning to throw away for years-
think of the local area- try to achieve an appropriate feel.

You are likely to have personal items that you do not want to share with your clients.
Have a lockable cupboard into which you pack them every time you leave the property.

Twin beds are more versatile for families with children, while couples like double beds and the larger the better.
King size beds can be mentioned as a selling point in your brochure!

Try to get the right balance of beds  for your target market. Also provide:

bedside tables and bedside lights
wardrobe and cupboard space- with good quality coat hangers

Provide waterproof matress protectors for young children- it will stop parents having to worry every time their little darlings hit the sack.

If you will be providing linen- essential if guests will be flying to their holiday-
allowing two full sets for every bed will allow for same day changeovers.
Provide a good supply of tea towels, tablecloths, kitchen cloths.

Guests usually provide their own hand and bath towels if they are likely to be driving to their holiday. If they will be flying, you may wish to provide them.

The kitchen is of prime importance- just as at home.
People place great store on dishwashers and washing machines and microwaves-
they are on holiday after all!

It is essential that work tops, unit fronts and flooring are easy to keep spotless-
and important that your cleaner knows how vital this is. Even a few crumbs or specks of grease can turn people off your home completely- and if those same crumbs have attracted ants or mice........

Crockery, cutlery, pans and other utensils should match.
And make sure there are plenty for the maximum number your home can accommodate.

Provide an electric kettle and a coffee maker of some kind.

Keep a good supply of loo rolls and  kitchen towels so there is always a roll for new guests.

Leave a bottle of washing liquid and a few dishwasher tablets for before the guests get to the supermarket.

And don't forget outside furniture- enough chairs and table for the whole party and a lounger for at least every adult the property sleeps.

The ubiquitous white plastic is fine!

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Incoming guests will  appreciate a  supply of basic foods like salt , pepper , sugar , tea , coffee , flour and olive oil.
You could go further and provide fresh bread and milk.
Mention these essentials in your brochure- their greatest advantage to guests is that they will not need to pack and carry them.

A bottle of wine and a vase of flowers will help to make your guests feel welcome after a long journey.

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITIES

You obviously want your guests to be safe, and to have a fantastic time while in your home. Take out good insurance-
Make sure it covers rentals- you may need a specialist policy-
and read the small print about what risks are covered. There are sensible steps you need to take to reduce your guests risk of injury, and  the world is becoming increasingly litigious.
You need to minimize the risk of becoming embroiled in a court battle!

Get electrical and gas appliances checked regularly.
Replace any rickety furniture.
Keep paved and stone surfaces  well secure- no loose slabs.
Leave clear, typed instructions for using electrical equipment.
Keep any potentially dangerous tools like axes, lawn mowers etc. locked in a shed.

Have a torch handy, and a notice about where to find it.

Follow all legal safety regulations applying to pools in your area-

mark shallow and deep ends clearly
have a no diving sign
and get advice about the new fencing regulations in France.

Think carefully about letting clients use any bikes or boats at the property-
a disclaimer that they are 'used at own risk' may not be enough to cover you.

TAX ON RENTAL INCOME

You are liable to pay tax on any foreign income, in the country where it is earned.
If you are a resident, it is declared as part of your earnings, at your normal tax rate.Keep copies of everything you spend. These can the be offset against your tax liability.
 
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