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It may be an idea for expats moving to France to rent a property for some time before committing to buying.

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.