Hi all, Fairly new on this particular site but the forum comments have been really useful so hoped y o u could shed some light on a situation I'm hoping to embark on. Currently own a holiday let in rural Poitou-Charentes with a large two storey garage attached. Converting this garage into a first floor Completely self contained flat with separate access is something I'm looking to do however, what are the logistics to then renting this space in the long term? I have experience of letting property in the UK so have knowledge of contracts, deposits and guarantors but is there, for instance, a French equivalent of the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme that we have in the UK? Also for instance, if there is a problem do you turn to your marie or rely on the Tenancy contract to impose civil law or involve a local housing agency? Also, is it recommended to use an estate agent to let the property for you despite them taking hefty percentages of the rental income for peace of mind or is it feasible to protect myself against possible problems and advertise for tenants myself? Another issue would be the difference between renting this flat out to a local resident or possibly a long term ex-pat either happy renting or looking to buy locally also. Are there vast differences between the two when it comes to rights and what is expected of them as side from what is written in the contract? There are a great many issues I have read up about on here and I don't want to be put off from an exciting project, but I also want to proceed with caution. Any advice on this subject would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
