Many people in more urban areas choose to rent accommodation - there is no rush to own a home, to get "on the ladder" and thereby avoid big price rises, as is the case in the UK and a number of other European countries. Renting prestige accommodation in the big cities is extremely popular and those on high incomes are just as likely to rent as buy. In this section we offer tips on what to do and how to go about renting a property in France.

To find a place to rent, look in the local and national press ("Le Figaro" is especially useful for Paris property) - recommended in several places is the magazine "De Particulier a Particulier", which contains lots of private accommodation for rent.

As a guide, flats are advertised as a number of rooms (called "pieces") - the number quoted is for all rooms minus the kitchen and bathroom.

Generally, you have more protection renting a property through estate agents (agents immobiliers) than with private landlords (proprietaires), but check what fee the agent will charge you before agreeing terms. Normally the fee is about half a month's rent. The rent agreement is known as a "bail", and these can vary but the usual is a 3 year one, where the tenant (locataire) can leave at any time, providing they give about 3 months notice.

Once you have found a property, you need to provide the following documents:

- A residency permit

- Proof of current address (utility bill)

- Payslips for the last 3 months - your income needs to be at least 3 times the monthly rent

Other charges and fees involved are:

- The "taxe d'habitation" - which is paid according to the size of the property, check how much this will be for your property.

- Building upkeep fees known as "charges communes" - these are not always included in the quoted monthly rent so check beforehand.

- A bond, in the form of a cheque for 2 or 3 times the rent, known as a "cheque de caution"- this is refunded at the end of the rental period, providing the property is kept in good condition, but there have been a few problems with this in the past. Taking photos of the way the flat looks at the start is a good way to ensure that you get this money back.

House contents insurance is also a good idea, if you have not already arranged it.

Added by Jennifer 19/6/08 - "It should be noted that apartments in France are rented empty. This means no stove, no refridgerator, no kitchen cabinets or counters or shelves, no light fixtures, and sometimes no seat on the toilet. Just don't be surprised. They do have to leave the kitchen sink though."

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