Papy

>Am I correct in assuming that >all usual appliances, washing machine, >dishwasher etc work OK in >France? I understand UK TVs >don't, is that correct? > Yes, I have installed washing machine, dishwasher and oven, all worked fine (I called the manufacturer, Bosch, in UK first, and they confirmed OK), French TV transmissions are (I think) SECAM and cannot be made sense of by a UK TV. I assume a UK TV can be used for reception of UK TV by satellite, but have no personal experience of that. >Is the voltage 220v and if >so does this cause any >problems compared to the UK's >240v? I've had problems with >a portable fridge before. > See following post, re light bulbs, copied from another board: coling (50 posts) 19-Nov-01, 07:45 PM (GMT) 5. "RE: French light bulbs" For a number of years now the 'base' voltage in France and the UK has been 230V. The tolerance allowed is +/- 12% ie 240V +6% and 220V -6%. In the next few month the tolerance is to be reduced to +/-6%. If you look carefully at new light bulbs and other new electrical appliances, you will find that they are marked 230V. Colin PS the above tolerances will not apply if your house in is the country, fed by a long length of wet string! >Light fittings - are screw fitting >bulbs the norm? I think bayonet is more prevalent but screw fitting are also found. I must admit my mind is a bit of a blank on this (am in UK at present), hopefully an expert will be along shortly. Cheers Papy

I've installed a Bosch built in oven (bought 2nd hand in UK) in France with no problem. I called Bosch to confirm no issue with voltage (220 v 240 in UK) or safety standards. It repaced an old built-in oven, so the wiring was already there and OK for the load. Cheers Papy

For long term let I used a "Regie", which is broadly equivalent to an Estate Agent. They find a tenant, provide the tenant-contract, collect rent, and manage any repairs etc, tenant problems, etc. We interviewed a couple, and went with the one that had most detail contracts, inventory forms, and seemed to have the best prospect of finding a tenant quickly (very subjective, but they were also recommended by a neighbour). Their fees are 5% of the rent (much less than UK estate agents charge). You have to sign an agreement giving them the right to act on your behalf, and the tenant contracts with them not with you. They suggested paying the rent on to us 3-monthly - I said no - monthly. BTW, a tenancy in France cannot be terminated by the landlord for 3 years, except under very defined conditions. Still early days - the house is let from 1st Oct, but so far so good. If you go another route, you must get expert advice on the letting agreement - there are many potential problems if not carefully drafted. Cheers Papy