hello - I am looking to rent a house in france (long term) next summer. What paperwork would I need, as a british national? Is there a national insurance equivalent that I need to register for (legal!) work..

If your are British and hold and EU Passport you can work legally anywhere in Europe.

I do think you need to register with the local authorities though..

http://ec.europa.eu/youreurope/nav/en/citizens/living/r...orkers/index_en.html

The practicalities are that long leases are normally unfurnished, 3 years renewable. The tenant can give 2 or 3 months notice at any time, the owner can only terminate the lease under very rare circumstances. Shorter, holiday type leases are much more expensive.

Because the law favours the tenant, owners are very particular as to who they will let to. The ideal tenant is a civil servant, with good property references, some assets (car, etc.), no bad debt history, no outstanding loans, etc.

I rented for 3 months whilst waiting for my house completion. I paid the deposit and 3 months rent in advance. They only accepted this after checking the property situation with my notaire.

Employment is in two stages. You start by registering with Assedic. This is effectively the unemployment office. However, the actual job search takes place with ANPE (APEC for managers).

Best bet is to join a local expat group when you arrive - they will be able to give up to date advice.



Bonne chance and welcome to France !



Peter