Whether you're a property investor or you are looking for a return on your vacant second home in the South of France, long term rentals are an attractive proposition. With rental yields steady and demand ever present in the booming Languedoc region this is a good time to own rental property. However, as Iain Laverock of www.golanguedoc.com cautions, there are some things you need to be careful of in French law and it often pays to involve Property Management experts at an early stage to plan everything correctly.

French rental system

Out on the street?

Long term rentals in South of France

Iain does believe that finding a tenant for your property can be a valid proposition for a would-be property investor or property owner. He points to a number of key factors. "It is still difficult to find good standard long term rental accommodation in Languedoc. Rental yields continue to be stable. Tenants are required to take out home insurance and it is the renter, not the owner, who is responsible for rectifying any damage to the property and to return it to its original condition at the end of the lease period. Finally, the tenant is responsible for paying the taxe d'habitation - so this is one less cost for you to bear". All in all, Iain believes that finding a long term rental, either for the off season or for a longer period if you do not intend to use your holiday home for a year or two, does make economic sense. "The house is kept warm and maintained, any problems are quickly identified and recified by your managing agent and all the time your property is increasing in value. The bottom line is that you want it to be cost-neutral. If you prepare wisely and get a good management agent on board, you should also see a small profit"

Incomes and Wealth taxes in France

Before advertising your property for a long term rental, it is also worth considering the taxation implications as well. Rental income in France is taxed at a flat rate of 25 per cent for non-residents. Nationals are taxed on a sliding scale with a maximum taxable rate of 25 per cent.

Also Wealth tax, or "impôt sur la fortune", is a tax on asset values paid by any household, resident in France, whose combined worldwide assets are valued at more than 732 000 €uros on 1st January 2005. Your household includes spouses and dependent children, and it should be noted that stable unmarried couples are also taxed together.  Non-residents of France may also have a wealth tax liability, but only on their French property assets.

It is important to remember that in France, as in most countries, it is the responsibility of the individual to complete a tax return - the onus is not on the authorities to ask for the tax.

Managing Long term rentals

Find someone to trust

Maisons Tournesol regularly find tenants for properties for long term rentals. We are then on hand to ensure that everything runs smoothly. We take a full inventory and ensure detailed photographic evidence is prepared on the condition of the house. We ensure that the tenant signs to verify the condition of the house before the lease commences. We also obtain references and proof of earnings details on the prospective tenant. We conduct regular 6 monthly audits of the property to ensure that the property is being kept to an appropriate standard and the tenant knows that we are looking after your interests. We are also on hand to ensure that any problems are quickly rectified by us. That way the tenant understands that they are dealing with a professional management company that will enforce the terms of the agreement.

At the end of the day, it is our job to ensure that we make your life easier. We take the stresses and strains out of having people staying in your property and we are always mindful that it is our duty to ensure that your property is returned back to the way it was when you left it.

Iain Laverock is the Managing Partner of L34Web, which runs www.golanguedoc.com and a French language holiday accommodation site www.locationsdusud.fr  You can contact Iain at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by telephone +33 (0) 6 30 54 00 97