These are the main Terms of Use for the website Long Term Rentals in France. These terms of business apply to long term rental reservations arranged via Long Term Rentals in France with the independent Property Owners.
Welcome to Long Term Rentals in France
We want to make finding a temporary home in France as straightforward as possible. We have been involved in the French rental market for around 20 years, initially through our holiday rental website Go Languedoc, and since 2014 through Long Term Rentals in France.
We live permanently in the South of France and have experienced renting property here ourselves. In fact, it was our own difficulties finding suitable accommodation when we moved to France that prompted us to establish this website.
We understand that arranging accommodation in another country can be daunting, particularly when you cannot visit the property beforehand. That is why we make every effort to provide accurate descriptions, good-quality photographs and practical information about the property and surrounding area.
Where possible, we visit properties personally and produce 360° virtual tours so that clients can get a better understanding of the accommodation before making a reservation. We also communicate directly with owners and prospective tenants to answer questions and help ensure that the property is a suitable match.
Our aim is simple: to help you find a comfortable, practical place to live in France for a few months or longer, with as few surprises as possible.
What type of accommodation do we provide?
Long Term Rentals in France specialises in temporary furnished accommodation, generally for periods of 3–12 months. Our properties are particularly suited to international clients relocating to France, searching for a house to buy, undertaking a temporary work assignment or simply wishing to experience living in France for several months.
Many of our clients use our properties as a landing base while they get established in France. They may need time to explore different areas, organise their paperwork, look for a permanent home or decide whether France is the right place for them.
We do not specialise in conventional French residential rentals with standard one-year or three-year tenancy arrangements. If you are looking for a permanent home in France, we recommend contacting a local French estate agent (agence immobilière) who handles residential lettings.
You may also find our guide, How to rent a house in France on an annual long term contract, useful. It explains some of the difficulties international clients encounter when trying to secure a conventional French rental.
What to expect from a French rental property
Our properties are privately owned furnished homes, rather than hotels or serviced holiday accommodation. They range from modest village apartments and rural cottages to larger family houses and villas with swimming pools.
We offer accommodation across a range of budgets, but it is important to have realistic expectations. A furnished house renting for €600 per month is unlikely to offer the same standard of accommodation, facilities or furnishings as a luxury villa costing €3,000 per month. Both can represent good value for money, provided they meet your needs.
French houses can also be very different from properties in your home country. Older buildings, traditional furnishings, rural locations and local building styles are all part of the experience of living in France.
We aim to describe properties honestly, including their location, facilities and any practical limitations. We encourage clients to consider these details carefully rather than relying on photographs alone.
Before making a reservation
We want you to be happy with the property you choose. Before proceeding with a reservation, please take time to:
- Read the full property description, including the facilities, rental conditions and additional charges.
- Check the property's location on a map, including distances to shops, restaurants, public transport and other services.
- Consider whether you will need a car, particularly if the property is in a rural location.
- Study the photographs and watch the 360° virtual tour, where available.
- Ask us about anything that is unclear or particularly important to you.
A rural property may offer peace, privacy and beautiful countryside, but it may also mean driving ten or fifteen minutes to the nearest town. Equally, an inexpensive village house may be comfortable and perfectly adequate without offering modern luxury finishes.
We would much rather answer your questions before you reserve than discover after your arrival that the property is not what you expected.
Understanding your rental commitment
A long-term rental agreement in France is something which is taken seriously, by both the Tenant and the Property Owner. Although our accommodation is intended for temporary stays, these are not flexible Airbnb-type bookings, that can simply be shortened whenever your plans change.
When an Owner accepts a reservation for six, nine or twelve months, they normally remove the property from the rental market for those dates and may turn down other enquiries. Just as you would expect the Owner to honour the agreement and make the property available for your stay, the Owner expects you to approach the rental with the same commitment.
Before signing a rental agreement, please be realistic about how long you intend to stay. If you expect to purchase a house, relocate elsewhere or change your plans after only three or four months, tell us at the outset. We may be able to arrange a shorter initial rental period.
We understand that circumstances can change. However, deciding that a rural property is too isolated, finding another property you prefer or simply changing your plans does not, in itself, mean that you can disregard the terms of your rental agreement.
If you terminate a rental agreement early, you remain responsible for any rent, notice period or other amounts lawfully due under the contract. In addition, you may also be liable for reimbursing the Owner for the booking administration fees paid to Long Term Rentals in France and any other reasonable additional costs associated with getting the house ready for the rental.
These fees cover the work already undertaken in finding a suitable tenant, handling the reservation, carrying out checks and preparing the rental agreement. That work has been completed, even if you subsequently decide to leave early.
This provision is not intended to penalise clients where a property is unfit for occupation or where they have a legitimate legal reason to terminate the agreement. We just ask all clients to respect the commitments they make when signing a French rental agreement. To be reassured, if a Property Owner decided to terminate a lease soon after you had arrived to France from another country, we would be equally as strong in defending your rights and making sure that they respected the spirit of the rental agreement.
LEGAL NOTICES
By using the Long Term Rentals in France website or proceeding with a reservation, you acknowledge these Terms & Conditions. Before confirming a reservation, you will be asked to read and accept the applicable rental terms.
The Property Owner is responsible for ensuring that their accommodation complies with applicable French legislation and safety requirements, including those relating to swimming pools, smoke alarms, heating appliances and other property facilities.
TERMS OF USE
Long Term Rentals in France provides an online property advertising and reservation service on behalf of independent Property Owners. We are not a travel agent, tour operator or property management company.
Our services include advertising rental properties, responding to enquiries, liaising with Owners and prospective tenants, arranging reservations and coordinating rental agreements.
We make every effort to ensure that property descriptions, photographs and local information are accurate. Property Owners are responsible for checking and approving the information published about their accommodation and notifying us of any changes.
Property management remains the responsibility of the Owner or their appointed representative. This includes cleaning, maintenance, repairs, keyholding, property inspections and ensuring that the accommodation is provided in the agreed condition.
The rental agreement is made directly between the Client and the Property Owner. Any issues concerning the condition, maintenance or use of the property should initially be raised with the Owner or their appointed Property Manager.
Where appropriate, we may assist with communication between the parties to help resolve a disagreement. However, we are not responsible for managing the property or fulfilling the Owner's contractual obligations.
Our booking administration fees are normally paid by the Property Owner, not the rental Client, subject to any separate, legally enforceable provisions relating to early termination.
RENTAL AGREEMENT
When you reserve a property through Long Term Rentals in France, you will be asked to sign a rental agreement directly with the Property Owner.
Please read this agreement carefully before signing. It sets out the agreed rental period, monthly rent, deposit, utility charges, payment arrangements and conditions for terminating the rental.
If there is anything you do not understand or agree with, please ask us for clarification before proceeding.
Your reservation is confirmed once we have received your signed rental agreement and confirmation that the required reservation deposit has been paid to the Property Owner.
We strongly recommend that you do not book flights or make other non-refundable travel arrangements until your reservation has been confirmed.
Where two or more people are named as tenants, their respective contractual responsibilities will be determined by the signed rental agreement and applicable French law.
Rental Terms & Conditions
1. BOOKING / RENTAL
1.1. The properties advertised by Long Term Rentals in France are privately owned furnished accommodation, generally offered for temporary rental periods. They are not hotels or serviced tourist accommodation. The legal nature of each rental agreement will depend on the circumstances of the tenancy and applicable French law.
1.2. The Client acknowledges that French rental properties vary considerably in age, architecture, furnishings and facilities. Properties are individually furnished according to the Owner's preferences and may differ from accommodation standards in the Client's home country.
1.3. The property description, advertised facilities and specific rental conditions form part of the information provided to the Client before entering into the rental agreement. The signed rental agreement confirms the agreed terms of the reservation.
1.4. Long Term Rentals in France specialises in furnished rentals of three months or longer, generally up to twelve months.
1.5. Advertised monthly rental prices may vary according to the season, length of stay and individual arrangements agreed with the Owner. The final rental price will be confirmed before the Client signs the rental agreement. Shorter stays during the summer months may be subject to weekly holiday rental rates.
1.6. The Client agrees to leave the property, furnishings and equipment in a clean and orderly condition at the end of the rental period, allowing for normal wear and tear.
1.7. The property may only be occupied by the persons named in the rental agreement, subject to any permitted visitors and applicable law. The maximum occupancy specified for the property must not be exceeded.
1.8. The Client must allow the Owner or their appointed representative reasonable access to the property for necessary repairs, maintenance or other legally permitted purposes, subject to appropriate notice and the Client's rights under French law.
1.9. The Client may not sublet or transfer the rental agreement without the Owner's prior written agreement, subject to applicable law.
1.10. At the beginning of the rental period, the Owner or their Property Manager should prepare a record of the property's condition, including any existing damage or defects. This may include a written inventory, photographs or video, as appropriate to the rental agreement.
The Client should inspect the accommodation on arrival and promptly notify the Owner or Property Manager of any discrepancies, damage or missing items. Any formal inventory or condition report must be completed in accordance with the requirements of the applicable rental agreement and French law.
1.11. The Client must report any damage, breakages, defects or maintenance issues to the Owner or their appointed Property Manager as soon as reasonably possible.
1.12. Pets must be discussed with the Owner before making a reservation. Where permitted by the applicable rental agreement and French law, the Owner may impose reasonable conditions relating to pets, including responsibility for damage and additional cleaning where justified.
1.13. The Client is responsible for taking reasonable precautions to secure the property, including locking doors and windows when the accommodation is unattended.
1.14. The Client must respect neighbouring residents and avoid excessive noise, nuisance or other unreasonable disturbance.
2. RENTAL PAYMENTS
2.1. Rental prices are normally advertised in Euros (€). The currency and agreed rental amount will be confirmed in the rental agreement.
2.2. Rental payments are made directly to the Property Owner, normally by bank transfer, using the payment details provided in the rental agreement. Long Term Rentals in France does not collect or hold rental payments.
2.3. A reservation deposit, normally equivalent to one month's rent, is required to secure the agreed rental dates. This deposit is paid directly to and held by the Property Owner. At the start of the rental period, the reservation deposit becomes the security deposit (bond) for the duration of the tenancy.
2.4. Monthly rental payments must be made in accordance with the payment schedule in the rental agreement. Unless otherwise agreed, rent should be received in the Property Owner's bank account by the first day of each rental month.
2.5. For rental periods of three months or less, the Owner may require the full rental amount to be paid before arrival. The payment arrangements will be confirmed in the rental agreement. Access to the property may be conditional upon receipt of the required payments, subject to applicable law.
2.6. In addition to the monthly rent, a monthly provision towards utility costs and applicable charges is normally payable. This may include electricity, water, heating and other agreed expenses. The amount of the provision and the arrangements for reconciling actual costs will be detailed in the rental agreement.
3. SECURITY DEPOSIT/BOND
3.1. A reservation deposit, normally equivalent to one month's rent, is payable to the Property Owner when the reservation is confirmed. At the start of the rental period, this becomes the security deposit (bond), held against any outstanding charges, damage or other amounts lawfully due under the rental agreement.
3.2. The security deposit is paid directly to and held by the Property Owner. Long Term Rentals in France does not collect or hold security deposits.
3.3. At the end of the rental period, the Owner will arrange for the security deposit, or any remaining balance, to be returned to the Client. The normal refund period is 30 days after the property has been vacated and the keys returned, unless a different period is required by applicable French law.
During this period, the Owner will assess the final utility consumption, any outstanding charges and the condition of the property.
3.4. The Owner may make reasonable and legally permitted deductions from the security deposit for:
- Damage to the property, furnishings or equipment beyond normal wear and tear.
- Missing or broken items requiring repair or replacement.
- Additional cleaning where the property has not been left in the agreed condition.
- Unpaid rent, utility bills or other charges lawfully due under the rental agreement.
- Other documented losses or costs for which the Client is legally responsible.
3.5. The Client is expected to return the property in a clean and orderly condition, allowing for normal wear and tear. Any additional cleaning or repair charges must be reasonable and supported by appropriate evidence.
3.6. If the cost of damage, outstanding charges or other legally recoverable amounts exceeds the security deposit, the Client may remain liable to the Owner for the additional amount.
3.7. The Owner must provide the Client with a statement explaining any deductions from the security deposit, together with appropriate supporting evidence such as invoices, quotations or utility statements.
3.8. Any disagreement concerning deductions should initially be discussed directly between the Client and the Property Owner or their appointed Property Manager. Both parties should explain their position in writing and provide relevant supporting information.
3.9. Where appropriate, Long Term Rentals in France may assist with communication between the Client and Owner to help resolve a disagreement. However, we do not hold the security deposit, determine the outcome of disputes or have authority to require either party to accept a proposed settlement.
3.10. The Property Owner remains responsible for holding, accounting for and returning the security deposit in accordance with the rental agreement and applicable French law. Long Term Rentals in France is not responsible for administering or returning funds held by the Owner.
4. CANCELLATIONS AND EARLY TERMINATION
4.1. Cancellation by the Client before arrival
4.1.1. If the Client wishes to cancel a confirmed reservation before the rental period begins, written notification must be provided to Long Term Rentals in France and the Property Owner.
4.1.2. The reservation deposit is normally non-refundable in the event of cancellation by the Client, subject to the terms of the rental agreement and applicable French law. However, the Owner may agree to refund some or all of the payments received if the property can be re-rented for the cancelled dates.
4.1.3. If the property is re-rented for the same dates at the same rental rate, the Owner will normally refund the reservation deposit and any rent paid in advance, subject to any reasonable costs or deductions lawfully due under the rental agreement.
4.1.4. If the property is re-rented at a lower rental rate, the Owner may deduct the difference between the original agreed rental amount and the replacement rental income, where permitted by the rental agreement and applicable law. Any remaining refundable balance will be returned to the Client.
4.1.5. If the property cannot be re-rented for the cancelled dates, the reservation deposit and any advance payments will be dealt with in accordance with the cancellation provisions of the signed rental agreement and applicable French law.
4.2. Early termination by the Client after arrival
4.2.1. Once the rental period has begun, any request to terminate the agreement early must be made in writing to the Property Owner and handled in accordance with the signed rental agreement and applicable French law.
4.2.2. As explained in the section Understanding your rental commitment, the Client may remain responsible for rent, notice periods and other amounts lawfully due following early termination.
4.2.3. The Client may also be liable for reimbursing the Owner for booking administration fees paid to Long Term Rentals in France and other reasonable costs associated with preparing the property for the rental, where such costs are legally recoverable.
4.2.4. Where possible, Long Term Rentals in France may assist the Owner in finding a replacement tenant. Any agreement concerning an early departure, revised rental dates or financial settlement should be confirmed in writing between the Client and the Property Owner.
4.3. Cancellation by the Property Owner
4.3.1. The Property Owner is expected to honour all confirmed reservations and rental agreements. However, exceptional circumstances beyond the Owner's reasonable control may occasionally make the property unavailable.
4.3.2. If the Owner is unable to provide the accommodation before the rental period begins, the Client will be informed as soon as possible. The Owner will arrange a refund of all rental and reservation payments received, without prejudice to any additional rights or remedies available to the Client under applicable French law.
4.3.3. If the Owner wishes to terminate the agreement after the rental period has begun, they must comply with the signed rental agreement and applicable French law. The Owner cannot simply require the Client to leave because their circumstances or plans have changed.
4.3.4. Where appropriate, Long Term Rentals in France may assist with communication between the Client and Property Owner or help identify alternative accommodation, although we cannot guarantee that a suitable replacement property will be available.
5. INSURANCE
5.1. The Client is required to arrange suitable insurance for the rental period, including cover for accidental damage to the property and its contents, and any rental risks for which the Client may be responsible.
5.2. This may be provided through a French tenant's insurance policy (assurance habitation) or an appropriate international insurance policy, provided it offers the cover required by the rental agreement and applicable French law.
5.3. Long Term Rentals in France can provide general guidance on arranging suitable insurance. The Client is responsible for ensuring that their policy provides adequate cover for the property and the duration of their stay.
6. GENERAL
6.1. The Property Owner is responsible for maintaining the accommodation and its equipment in accordance with the rental agreement and applicable French law. Temporary interruptions to public utilities, such as electricity, water, gas or internet, may occasionally occur for reasons outside the Owner's control. The Owner is not responsible for such interruptions where they have no legal responsibility for the cause or its resolution.
6.2. If the Client is dissatisfied with the cleanliness, condition or presentation of the property on arrival, they should notify the Owner or their appointed Property Manager as soon as possible so that the matter can be investigated and resolved.
6.3. Any maintenance problems, equipment failures or other issues arising during the rental period should be reported promptly to the Owner or Property Manager. The Client should allow reasonable opportunities for necessary repairs or remedial work to be arranged.
6.4. If a problem remains unresolved, the Client should communicate their concerns to the Owner in writing, explaining the issue and the action they are requesting. Long Term Rentals in France may assist with communication where appropriate, but responsibility for maintaining the property remains with the Owner.
6.5. Failure to report a problem during the rental period may make it more difficult to investigate or resolve a subsequent complaint. However, this does not remove any rights the Client may have under the rental agreement or applicable French law.
6.6. The Owner remains responsible for complying with applicable property safety requirements. Clients are expected to use the property and its facilities responsibly and take reasonable precautions to prevent accidents or damage.
6.7. Children must be appropriately supervised by a responsible adult, particularly around swimming pools, balconies, staircases and other potential hazards.
7. PROPERTY DESCRIPTIONS AND PHOTOGRAPHS
7.1. Long Term Rentals in France makes every effort to provide accurate property descriptions, photographs and information about the surrounding area. Property Owners are responsible for checking and approving the information published about their accommodation.
7.2. We endeavour to keep property information up to date. However, furnishings, equipment and facilities may occasionally change, and some services or amenities may be temporarily unavailable for reasons outside our control.
7.3. Where we become aware of a significant change that may affect a confirmed reservation, we will endeavour to inform the Client as soon as possible.
7.4. Clients should carefully review the property description, photographs, location and facilities before making a reservation. If any particular feature or facility is essential to their stay, they should seek confirmation before signing the rental agreement.
7.5. If a significant difference arises between the advertised accommodation and the property provided, the matter should be raised promptly with the Owner and Long Term Rentals in France. Any entitlement to a remedy, refund or termination will depend on the circumstances, the rental agreement and applicable French law.
8. CONTRACT CLAUSES
8.1. If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.
8.2. These Terms & Conditions should be read alongside the individual rental agreement signed by the Client and Property Owner. Nothing in these Terms & Conditions is intended to exclude or restrict rights or obligations that cannot lawfully be excluded under French law.
9. PRE-CONTRACT PROPERTY VISITS
9.1. Long Term Rentals in France operates primarily as an online property advertising and reservation service, covering a wide geographical area. We are therefore unable to provide the same property viewing services as a traditional local estate agency.
9.2. Wherever possible, we provide detailed photographs and 360° virtual tours to help prospective tenants understand the layout, condition and surroundings of a property before making a reservation.
9.3. It may be possible to arrange a viewing before booking, depending on the property's availability and the Owner's arrangements. Visits are normally conducted by the Property Owner or their appointed Property Manager.
9.4. A viewing charge of approximately €50–€100 may apply to cover the costs of arranging and conducting the visit, where legally permitted. This charge, and whether it is refundable if the Client subsequently books the property, will be confirmed in advance.
Long Term Rentals in France is run in partnership with Artaxa IMMO SARL - Agence Immobilière. Titulaire de la carte professionelle de transaction 2008/34/2153, Délivré par la Préfecture de Montpellier. FNAISocietaire No. 40744 M. Numéro de TVA Intracommunataire FR63504336579
