DZ Posted March 4, 2007 Share Posted March 4, 2007 Hi, I hope you can help me with my dilemma. We have "une maison secondaire", which we rent very occasionally to friends and acquaintances for a set rate (very cheap by English standards, btw). A local woman looks after our house and cleans after the guests (she happens to be Polish). She has now asked if she could book the house for her Polish friend and was shocked to hear the amount of money she would be required to pay. I am now wondering if I'm not being mean. The house is standing empty and it could be used by someone for a nominal fee, but is it advisable to get into such double-standard arrangements (ie. different rates for English acquaintances and people from a poorer country)? I don't want to upset my very good housekeeper, but am wondering about the wisdom of entering into special arrangements...Has anyone on the forum had such a problem to consider? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clair Posted March 4, 2007 Share Posted March 4, 2007 When we started renting out, I said to my friends that as long as they came out of season, we could offer them a good discount, but if they wanted to come in high season (July-August), they would have to pay the full rate, as this is when we make the real money that makes the whole thing pay for itself... almost! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beryl Posted March 4, 2007 Share Posted March 4, 2007 DZAs the house is not your primary business but a holiday home, I would have thought that this would allow you more leeway with fees.If it was me, if I was happy with the cleaner and not going to be out of pocket, I would be inclined to let her friend use it as a one off, cheaply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toni Posted March 4, 2007 Share Posted March 4, 2007 Presumably this is a once off event and what arrangements you have come to with your Polish renters is nobodys business but your own. If the house is standing empty and its not peak season and you are happy with the service being offered by your changeover person I would be very prepared to consider a (once off) substantial reduction on your normal letting rate- after all what have you to loose other than the goodwill of your local caretaker! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cooperlola Posted March 4, 2007 Share Posted March 4, 2007 It's the b*ms on seats thing! Any money is better than none, let's face it, if you trust this person. I'd go for it. It should be worth a lot in goodwill terms with your cleaner, as Toni says. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DZ Posted March 4, 2007 Author Share Posted March 4, 2007 Thanks, everyone, for your quick responses! You have helped me make up my mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chief Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 Be careful they don't end up long term.....being realistic, there is an influx of poles moving over to France and the UK, as well as other EU places. Might be something you need to consider. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Russethouse Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 I would make it very clear how much of the year you are prepared to let her friends have this rate - say a month in total out of your renting period otherwise you may find she has lots of friends wanting a holiday...........although your change over ladies good will is worth an awful lot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Katie Posted March 5, 2007 Share Posted March 5, 2007 DZ, I think your cleaner sounds like a lovely and trustworthy lady. After all could she not have given her friends "the nod" and kept the rent? Would you have been any the wiser. As others have said, if it is during weeks where the gite is standing empty why not? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DZ Posted March 5, 2007 Author Share Posted March 5, 2007 Yes, I was very impressed with the woman's honesty. as you say, Katie, she could have just used the place without ever telling me! We have now made a deal about the occasional renting. She is a very proud person and would not hear of the very low rent I offered her - she insisted on double that! Thanks a million everyone who responded - I think this forum is like one big wise friend (well, most of the time!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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