It does make me laugh when I get the email notifications through of a response. Sometimes they get cut off in funny places!
Well, I wouldn't exclude a landlord because of nationality but ... heck, I've some lousy experiences. Trying to get paperwork off them is a nightmare - they want deposits, they want rent, they want you to redecorate their houses, and, if possible, refurnish them from new. But they don't want to supply little things like signed contracts. Oh, and of course, these properties are always for sale - and if they didn't have a tenant they would sell it. It's always the renters fault that no one wants to view...
They know all the laws and none of the responsibilities.
Please, don't start me off - I just think the British have a different attitude toward renters. In France, as in many other countries, renting is a big part of the housing market and tenants are afforded some protection. In the UK, it's seen as something with a lot less permanency and we have the issues with short term contracts etc.
I know my first house was rented. I rented it for 5 years. Short term contracts were not all the vogue then. I paid my rent, I got my rent book and I saw the landlord once during the whole 5 years. No problems at all.
I've never rented from the French so I can't say I have experience of that side of things - but I have rented from the Brits and it's not something I would rush into again.
Sorry, I forgot to say, thanks!
Oh, and the Brits don't want to pay tax - that's why they will fight to the death not to give you a signed contract.
One house I 'rented' and was promised a contract. Never materialised. Then I was told I could have one (gee thanks) if I signed up for 5 years. Then that little offer was rescinded. Then he demanded another 500 euros off me or he was going to throw me out. Kept my deposit and the 500 euros in the end - even though I've got the paperwork to say he agreed to pay me back.
You see the landlord was all shaken up because he wanted to sell the property and it was my fault he couldn't sell (he couldn't decide which he wanted more, the house sale or my rent) - 18 months later and it is still sat there on the market... good!
Oh, and they don't like giving receipts for rent. You have to make it all out and make them sign it. Oh, and they'd like cash, please. No. Not any more.
Meanwhile the cheeky so and so is living at his girlfriend's address while she claims benefits.
Not bad, eh?