THE KNOWLEDGE ASK THE EXPERT
Holiday rentals
We’re fastidious about recycling and conserving energy in our main home, how can we make our holiday home more environmentally friendly, especially when guests are staying? Environmental concerns are a priority for many, and French holiday rental property owners are no exception. The demand for eco-friendly rental properties has increased dramatically, so it makes sense to adapt your off ering. Here are some simple and inexpensive ways to make your vacation rental property more environmentally friendly.
Tips for renting out your second home in France, from Carmel O’Connell
Encourage guests to shop locally by providing information on local markets and canvas totes or straw baskets for groceries. Invite guests to recycle. Place one or two bins next to waste bins and clearly label them – cardboard, paper, plastic, glass. In addition,
you’ll need to update your digital guestbook to include recycling instructions. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with LED light bulbs because they consume less energy and last longer. Use the readily available eco-friendly cleaning products that can be found in supermarkets. Choose refi llable soap dispensers over disposable plastic bottles. Install water displacement devices in toilets, tap aerators and upgrade your showerheads to reduce water consumption by regulating water fl ow. When the time comes to replace your appliances, choose options that are energy-effi cient and repairable.
Should I turn off the water when my holiday home is empty in winter?
rental properties has increased dramatically, so it makes sense to adapt your holiday home”
“The demand for eco-friendly
If you are anticipating your property to be empty for a period during the winter months, it is a good idea to turn off the mains water supply and drain the pipes. This will minimise the risk of your pipes freezing, bursting and potentially fl ooding your property should there be a severe cold spell. This simply involves locating the mains stop valve for your property, turning this off and running your taps until almost dry. Do check however that you
do not have central heating or boilers that require water operating during this period. Your property manager would be able to advise and assist you on this as well as monitoring the property as part of their regular checks.
What administrative steps must I take to set up my second home in France as a holiday rental? It is not enough to have a beautiful house to qualify for the opening of a gîte, you will also need to respect the French law’s administrative procedures in order to off er short-term accommodation. First, check if your property
is a co-ownership (copropriété). There may be a ‘habitation bourgeoise’ clause that forbids its commercial use, preventing seasonal rentals. Contact the mairie nearest
to your property to learn about your responsibilities. No matter the rental length, a declaration is required or could result in a €450 fi ne. Municipalities with a tight rental market and many seasonal rentals may have more restrictions. To run this type of business
you must register for a SIRET number with INSEE Sirène. Don’t forget to inform your
insurance agent and check that your civil liability insurance covers tenants injured on your property. Remember too that seasonal
rental income is subject to tax and social charges and must be declared in France. ■
Carmel O’Connell is a Director at LBV Property Management Tel: 0033 (0)5 62 29 26 62
lbvfrance.com
94 FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS: March/April 2023
© SHUTTERSTOCK
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148
