Our new neighbour has been plagued by a nest of 'Stone Martens' in her attic (click for a full description) They are nocturnal animals and they have chosen to be active, give birth, defecate and to nest directly above her bedroom. Pest control is needed and the expense, as described by the lease, is covered by the landlord (who lives in UK) along with a serious plumbing problem of a long standing nature, involving digging and the laying of new ground pipework. Then of course, there is what one might describe as "normal maintenance". Cuh!
Now, as half expected, with the new arrangements caused by Brexit, tax on profits is to rise from 7.5% to 17.5%. Then there is the distraction of Covid 19 which is currently causing havoc with all commerce ...customers are just not coming.
Now, a dear friend has taken a years' renewable lease on a beautiful furnished cottage on the side of the canal.
Finding a suitable property and agreeing a rent is rarely, if ever, simple in terms of the rights of Landlords (owners) and tenants. By default we were soon appraised of French Laws which are very clear about the protection of both and how this law is enforced.
However, there must often be circumstances - perhaps because of the unavoidable distance between the protagonists - unforeseen danger lurks when important matters of detail, demanded of the law, are 'brushed-over' in the understandable desire of both parties to seal the deal in the most friendly and efficacious manner - either on the phone, a hand-shake or even email or text perhaps.
When called to sign what one thinks one has agreed to - now seen in writing, it may not comply with what one thought one had agreed 'verbally'. The document you are being asked to sign may not even comply with the law in which case it becomes 'null and void' and offers no protection to either side if later there is a dispute.
The temptation to start moving in - 'sorting things out' if there are any problems later - may soon lead to unhappy relations between the parties and could end up with huge legal fees and bad feeling.
Whilst the onus lies with the Landlord to ensure that a full inventory of contents and defects are agreed and signed off by the new tenant, it is unwise for the tenant to move in until this has been done. No deposit need be paid until it is. This is often inconvenient. With furnished properties such stock taking will take a day or two to be completed, with every teaspoon and gadget and fault having to be included.
I am neither a Lawyer, a landlord nor am I a Professional House Agent, but given the realities described above, I realize how important they are to both parties.
To be a landlord, It just ain't all plain sailing y'know - I'll just stick with our barge, keep making beer, and happily float away.
