CREATING A RENTAL AGREEMENT....
The rental agreement is the key element in the transaction between you, the lessor, and the lessee. It must be as precise as possible.
1/ To be drawn up in duplicate by the lessor and ideally sent by registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt, or by e-mail with a deadline by which it must be returned (rental contracts are available on the Internet).
2/ Accompanied by a letter containing information relating to the organization of the transaction:
- request to return the signed contract together with the deposit or down-payment (a refundable deposit is preferable),
- details for the day of arrival: request for balance of rent, tourist tax and security deposit.
3/ On receipt of the countersigned contract and the deposit check, send the tenant an acknowledgement of receipt. If the tenant does not return by the deadline, the lessor is entitled to enter into a new agreement with another person.
4/ When the keys are handed over, the owner will ask the tenant for:
- the balance of the rental,
- payment of the tourist tax,
- payment of the security deposit. This deposit is required on the day of arrival in the form of a non-cashable cheque, the amount of which should not normally exceed the cost of one week's rental. It must be returned at the end of the rental period, after the keys have been handed over, within 10 days if the accommodation is left in the same condition as it was when you arrived. In the event of damage to equipment found after a joint inventory has been carried out, the deposit must be returned within 60 days, after deduction of any work carried out and on presentation of an invoice. Should the deposit prove insufficient, the tenant is contractually bound to reimburse any additional costs, on presentation of the corresponding invoices.
Owners may require tenants to produce an insurance certificate (attestation villégiature) covering any damage they may cause during their stay.
It is essential to specify and detail cancellation and refund conditions in your contract.