Offer Your House for Rent: How to Protect Yourself from Unpleasant Surprises ?

It is not unusual for a homeowner to rent out their property in order to make ends meet these days. Whether it’s a vacation house or the primary residence, certain measures must be taken to prevent unpleasant shocks when the property is recovered. If you’re thinking about it, read our six recommendations to safeguard your interests and your peace of mind.

1 # Be clear about the general characteristics of your property

Think like a tourist while creating your ad and include all relevant information about the home and its surrounds. The location is critical in providing a reliable reference to the tenant: there is a chance that he or she is unfamiliar with the region or city, so do not hesitate to inform the tenant as soon as possible about the cultural and recreational opportunities available in the surrounding area, proximity to the sea or the mountain, and so on.

You may also give a list of all the nearby facilities, such as bakeries, excellent restaurants, and supermarkets, in addition to the location.

Be precise about the amount of rooms and their location when it comes to the property itself. It’s also possible to prevent disappointments by increasing the number of seats in the living room and at the big table. The exterior, if one exists, as well as its size and composition, may be used to round out your description.

The goal is to translate the pictures into words so that the prospective renter understands the photos that accompany your ad. Leave no room for the imagination, which may be a cause of embarrassment!

2 # List precisely the equipment present

Allowing renters to suffer from a lack of essential equipment will not make them happy. Make a detailed inventory of the equipment available in the lodging, which they may augment with their own things if required.

Indicate which home appliances, from those required for cooking to those required for ironing, are available and accessible. Indicate whether or not you will offer bed linens and bath towels.

Indicate the existence of a walk-in shower, a bathtub, wellness equipment, and, of course, a swimming pool on the comfort side. Children’s games (swing, board games, etc.), specific multimedia equipment, and the availability of fiber should all be considered.

3 # Depersonalize the accommodation

Although it may seem self-evident, it is important to state that if you rent out your primary home, no valuables should stay there. Money and jewelry, in particular, should be taken away or stored elsewhere since you will be required to show evidence of their existence on the premises and absence throughout the rental term if they are stolen. The best course of action is to avoid the situation altogether.

The suggestion is true for things that are too personal and, as a result, may not match to the newcomer’s decorative preferences. Family pictures, tasteful souvenirs, and other symbols of your life should not be displayed in every room; they will irritate and discomfort the renter.

Finally, in each assigned bedroom, you will need to create space in the cabinets for the renters’ things. Nothing prohibits you from maintaining a closed room that contains all of your things and is not included in the rental if required. Forcing this door open would be considered a break-in, and a theft charge may be filed against you.

The basic guideline is to leave just what is beneficial to everyone in the lodging. Everything you’ll need to cook, sleep, and wash your clothes, as well as all the extras. The rest is up to you and would annoy the renter.

4 # Check that your insurance covers occasional rental

While most house insurance policies cover the presence of a third party in your property, it’s less clear if a one-time renter is protected by your multi-risk policy. Also, some international visitors may not have liability insurance, so make sure your insurance provider is aware of the issue.

The ideal option is a one-time guarantee for the length of the stay, or a long-term guarantee if you frequently rent overnight stays throughout the year. To learn more about the treatments and the costs connected with them, contact your insurance.

5 # Prevent possible damage and abuse

An inventory will guarantee that you locate your property and all it includes in the same condition as when you first arrived. This document also has the benefit of encouraging renters to look after their possessions for fear of facing fines.

In this case, you have the right to ask for a security deposit, which you may use to offset the cost of repairs and replacements for items destroyed during your stay.

Also, be cautious while utilizing your subscriptions: video on demand from your box or your landline phone plan may result in a surprise charge! Limit your phone use via your operator as a precaution, so that only limitless activities are possible. You may simply apply a protection code to prevent VOD from being used.

6 # Watch out for the law!

It enables you to rent out your primary home for up to 120 days per year to a third party. Aside from that, you’ll have to modify how you utilize the property. Additionally, check with your town hall to see whether you are permitted to rent; in certain municipalities, permission is needed. The property is given a number, which must appear on all notifications and correspondence.

Forgetting may cost you up to € 5,000 if the ad doesn’t have a registration number, or up to € 10,000 if the 120-day limit is surpassed.

It’s also worth noting that if you’re a tenant, you may sublease the property. You must then seek formal permission from the owner, failing which your lease will be cancelled and you will be required to repay the amounts collected.

For individuals who are inherently nervous, entrusting the keys to their home to strangers is not a good idea. Others see it as a wonderful opportunity to save money for their own trip while still keeping an eye on the home. As long as the property is discovered in the anticipated condition, there is no advantage. If it is a furnished lodging, don’t forget to report the amounts received from the tax services under the area of industrial and commercial earnings (empty accommodation is part of property income). You’re all set to make the most of the holidays!