There are different ways to find a place to rent in France. It is first possible to deal directly with owners. But the prospective tenant may also choose to use vendors' list or a real estate agency. Each solution has its advantages. If the direct sale has the merit of being a cheaper alternative, use an estate agent may be a safer and saves time.
The role of the realtor is to relate the tenant and the owner of the property. Agencies are generally experienced in one type of rental property. In most cases they deal with residential properties, but they can also move towards the rental market of rural property, business premises or the market for vacation rentals.
The estate agent acts as an agent of his client. The extent of his powers may vary and should be compulsorily recorded in a written mandate. As appropriate, the agency will have exclusive or not on finding a new tenant. The mandate will be simple when the owner is free to conclude with another agency or directly with a tenant. A monopoly may also be entrusted to the agency on the condition that the exclusivity clause appears in the warrant expressly and apparent. And finally, the term may be semi-exclusive, which means that the exclusivity will be given to one agency while allowing the owner to find himself a tenant.
Moreover, it is preferable to mention the term and the amount of commissions, since it is free.
The real estate profession is highly regulated. Indeed, the Act of January 2, 1970, called "Hoguet, came prescribing conditions governing the performance of real estate agents. This text has been slightly modified to adoption of the Ordinance of 1 July 2004.
The law "Hoguet" created the business card including receipt is subject to strict conditions. The estate agent must first provide proof of professional competence (experience and / or degree) and a financial guarantee for the funds it will have to hold on behalf of his client. The estate agent will also be covered by professional liability insurance to take care of any deficiencies. Furthermore, it should establish that it does not receive a disability or disqualification.
This card is issued by the prefecture and is renewed every year after government control.
Once licensed to practice, estate agency must comply with transparency requirements to protect his client. The fees, which are not regulated by example will be prominently displayed in the agency. It's the same for the business card that must be affixed prominently in the premises of the agency.
The main disputes in which estate agents are involved relate to disputes over commissions. If a dispute between you and any of these professionals, you can contact a real estate lawyer to advise you and represent you.