How To Hedge Against Short-Term Squatters

Dealing with evictions is one of the biggest issues that concern
landlords. The laws in France governing landlord/tenant relations are
very strong. Because many of our readers buy an apartment in Paris to
rent out short-term–basically vacation rentals, rented for anywhere
from one week to one month–the focus here is on that type of tenant.

Landlord/tenant laws in France mostly favor tenants. It can take up to
two years to successfully evict a squatting tenant. During the months
of November, December, January and February it is illegal to put a
tenant out (justification being protection of the person during the
winter). While incidents of short-term tenants refusing to leave an
apartment are virtually non-existent, as a landlord you want to be
prepared and protect yourself against that possibility. There are
several things you can do.

Ask a lot of questions before accepting a renter. Inquire about their
plans; will they be on vacation, going to school, relocating, etc.
Determine as much as possible that their plans are short-term and that
they will be leaving. One reader said she’s been "grilled" with these
kinds of questions when she’s rented here. It was done nicely, but it
was obvious they wanted to make sure she was not going to overstay her
welcome.

All rentals should be done by contract. The contract should explicitly
state the dates for arrival and departure. On arrival, ask to see their
return tickets to verify their departure. Note that information on the
contract.

Many landlords prefer to only rent to non-Europeans. This hedges
against renting to people familiar with the laws and against someone
who might want to–and be able to–settle in here more easily than a
foreigner could.

Students or visiting scholars can be good tenant candidates. One
landlord recently told me he rents his studio through an American
university. His apartment is listed on their housing website. The
university does not give out final grades to the students unless
they’ve paid all their rent and have been cleared by the landlord.

Working through a rental management company can also aid in protecting
against bad tenants. They know the laws and have the experience to deal
with screening prospective tenants. Interview a few different companies
and ask them how they will protect your interests.

There are also management companies who deal solely with corporate
clients, another type of tenant that is unlikely to become a problem.
Bridge Street Corporate Housing Worldwide, an international company, is
one example. They represent French and foreign landlords in Paris. Most
of their leases are signed by the companies themselves, thereby taking
responsibility for the tenant and alleviating eviction concerns.

As a short-term rental landlord, it is highly unlikely you would ever
be confronted with an eviction problem. You can increase that
unlikelihood by carefully choosing who you rent to and using the
suggestions above to help you in that goal.

And, as a last resort, as one local rental manager said "If one of my
clients ever did this in one of my apartments, I would simply throw
them on the street with their bags and let them try to sue me here."

A bientôt,

Schuyler Hoffman
Editor, Paris Property Insider
Email: mailto:[email protected]

P.S. Don’t miss the blizzard of last minute special holiday offerings
on very special apartments in this issue!

*** ONLY 5 DAYS UNTIL APRES-MIDI!

Tuesday, December 10th marks the launch of the Parler Paris Après Midi.
You’re invited to join us for coffee (or whateve

r your favorite
libation is) and conversation with Parler Paris writers, editors, and
Parler Paris readers from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. a
t LE WEBBAR, 32 Rue de
Picardie, 75003 Paris.

If you can’t make it this time you can make it the next, or the next,
or the… We’ll be there the second Tuesday of every month. So mark
your calendars:

January 14, 2003
February 11, 2003
March 11, 2003
April 8th, 2003
May 13, 2003
June 10, 2003

It’s sure to be a great way to meet new people, put faces to names and
enjoy Paris all the more!

(Métro Temple or République)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

*** HOLIDAY OFFERING BLIZZARD CONTINUES

* MANAGER’S SPECIAL OFFER

Rentals in Paris, owned and operated by Glenn Cooper, is offering 20%
off any rentals made from now until December 15th 2002. For details
send an email to:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=ppiCooperdeal

* COURTYARD CHARM

Cute apartment, ground level, on a courtyard and within walking
distance to Place de la Bastille and the Marais. Recently redesigned
and decorated, this charming, intimate 2-room apartment, is located
near rue de la Roquette/Bd. Voltaire, steps away from Métro Voltaire
and several bus lines. It has a kitchenette, separate bath and WC
areas, Two mezzanines (single & double) for storage or for sleeping
spaces, and 2 single beds on floor-level (or double upon request).

Pictures and details available at:
/parlerparis/property/blvdvoltaire.html

Holiday rental special at 540 euro a week for 1-2 people

* COZY ELEGANCE IN SAINT-GERMAIN

Charming loft in Saint-Germain atop 18th century building, with
elevator. This elegant apartment is quiet, has rooftop views,
fireplace, wood floors, antique carpets and furniture, and all
amenities including washer, dishwasher, tub and stall shower. It also
comes with maid service. Single or couple only, please.

Available December 14 to January 4

Offered at $1,000 per week or $4,000 for entire period, plus security
deposit.

Pictures and more details available at:
/parlerparis/property/dsstgermain.html

For availability and reservations email:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=#dsstgermain

* SAINT-EUSTACHE

In the very heart of Paris… an amazing cozy studio with exposed
beamed ceilings, wood floors, and a fireplace. You’ll enjoy views from
your windows of Saint-Eustache church and be able to stroll to the
Louvre or Les Halles, both only minutes away on foot. You’ll also revel
in the array of shops and restaurants surrounding this unique flat.

Available from 16th of December until the 2nd January and offered at
$750.

Pictures and more details available at:
/parlerparis/property/steustache.html

* THE ALCOVE

A large studio, this elegant flat feels more like a one-bedroom.
Located in the chic yet historic area of Saint-Germain, you’ll be
surrounded by the old and the new. From St-Germain-des-Prés herself to
the famous cafés and brasseries, you’ll never find anything
uninteresting. Just strolling through the peaceful courtyard will have
you eager to relax and enjoy a glass of holiday spiced wine as you
relax after a day of exploring Paris.

Available from end of November through the 15th of January 2003.

Offered at $1975 per month, with weekly rates available.

Pictures and more details available at:
/parlerparis/property/thealcove.html

* MARAIS LOFT

This truly unique apartment is situated in the heart of the Marais,
Around the corner from Places des Vosges. The Marais is the most lively
interesting quartier in Paris–brimming with boutiques, trendy
restaurants, art galleries and museums. It is centrally located and an
easy walk to the Louvre, Notre Dame, and the Seine. The flat is a
romantic, artistic duplex loft space (60m), with a view of rooftops,
the Eiffel Tower and the Sacre Coeur. Equipped with modern
appliances–gas stove, microwave, washing machine, large tub and double
sinks in the bathroom.

Available from December 23 to January 14

Offered at $950 per week, plus deposit and $35 for cleaning

For availability and reservations email:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=#dsruedeTurenne

*** YOU’LL FIND OUR FULL LIST OF SHORT-TERM APARTMENTS, UPSCALE AND
LUXURY APA

RTMENTS, and PRIVATE HOMES AVAILABLE TO RENT
YEAR-ROUND AT: /parlerparis/property/aptrentalhome.html

*** FINDING THE APARTMENT THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

Many people don’t have the time nor the resources to look for their own
piece of France, especially if they’re located in the States or other
foreign country.

Our office offers you assistance to do the things you can’t do unless
you are here. We have a specific service to help you find your
property. Using our personally selected professional locators and real
estate agents, we work with you to find the property that is worth
coming to France to look at. Or if you are already here, all the
better.

After getting a basic idea of what you are looking for, we will spend
the next month searching for just that. You’ll receive weekly reports
with suggested possibilities and pictures that will help to further
narrow down what you want.

The fee for this service is $500. Should we find the right apartment
for you, there will be a finder’s fee of 2% on the price of the
property if you make the purchase, with a minimum of $5000, maximum of
$20,000 (the initial $500 will be applied against the finder’s fee).

For more details and answers to your questions contact:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=ppiFindersService

For details on our full range of property services, got to:
/parlerparis/services/propertyconsultation.html

*** YES, FOREIGNERS CAN GET A MORTGAGE IN FRANCE

Not only can you buy property in France, you can obtain financing here
to buy that property. Our IL Paris office has associations in place
with two major lenders who specialize in foreign clients. They are
especially interested in building their American customer base. Through
these lenders you can finance 70% to 85% of the purchase price of the
property, depending on your resident status in France, at very
attractive interest rates (currently 4.5% to 5.7%).

Our services are available to assist you with filling out initial
applications and collecting the documents you’ll need to apply for your
mortgage. We will set up the appointments with the lenders for you, and
if desired we can even accompany you to your appointments.

If you’re seriously looking to buy property in France and would like
more information on the lending process, visit our website at:
/parlerparis/services/propertyconsultation.html.

For answers to your questions contact Schuyler Hoffman:
mailto:[email protected]?subject=ppiMortgageInfo

*** WORKING AND LIVING IN FRANCE CONSULTATION SERVICES

Living in France for several years, we have accumulated valuable
information and developed valuable contacts. We are able to assist you
as much as possible and when necessary, put you in contact with one or
more of our professional associates to provide the help you need.

– Fee of $75 an hour with a two-hour minimum, plus expenses (travel,
phone charges, etc., when applicable)
– Consultation can be arranged in person, by phone, or e-mail

For more information contact Schuyler Hoffman at
mailto:[email protected]?subject=ppiConsultation
or visit
/parlerparis/services/workandliveconsultation.html.