You can hope for a maximum of 20-30% of the total ex-VAT costs of works in financial assistance, with a 30.000€, and be aware that the funds are provided only when the works are complete.
All applications for financial assistance are made via your Conseil Général, and one of the best sources of help with applications are the established networks or labels who hold great sway over the Gîte communities in France mentioned in section 2.2, such as Gîtes de France en.Gîtes-de-france.com or La Clef Verte laclefverte.org to name only two.
Membership to the label is obviously required, and with it comes not only their exacting standards but also their assistance, their extensive advertising network, their brand on your offering and rental management via their online system which include payment guarantees.
4.2 Tax benefits
A trip to your tax office is an important step in order to check whether any renovations or modifications that you are making to your property to welcome tourists might bring you any tax relief – especially if the activity is being carried out under a company structure.
In all cases, if your Gîte is in a Rural Revitalisation Zone (ZRR) then you would be exempt from both Taxe Habitation and Taxe Foncière!
STEP 5: RUNNING A GITE
5.1 Reservations
Once you have confirmed availability with your client for the dates they want, you must send two copies of a rental contract, signed by you, which specifies the deposit amount you need in order to confirm their reservation, and includes a detailed description of the accommodation. The reservation is not confirmed until you receive a copy signed by your guests, and their deposit cheque – or of course if you are using an online system this can be done via email and PayPal.
A deposit cannnot be requested more than 6 months prior to the stay, and cannot represent more than 25% of the total rental price. The deposit engages the guest ~AND the owner; if you cancel a booking after taking the deposit you're obliged to refund twice the deposit amount.
5.2 Arrival of your guests
Your contract should give guests a specific arrival time, usually after 4pm, at which point you inspect the property together before both signing an ‘état des lieux’ or inventory, and when you take balance payment for their stay and a pre-agreed damage deposit, which must be below 20% of the total rental price.
Note: you will often – but not always - be expected to collect a small ‘taxe de séjour’, varying from 0.20€ - 4€ per adult per night, from your guests, which is declared and paid to the Mairie on an annual basis.
5.3 Departures
A departure time between 10am and 11am, allows you to revisit the property together with your guests to check for damage, before returning their damage deposit, or not if they are responsible for damage requiring investment on your part for repairs.
Don’t let your fear of the paperwork put you off, let French Admin Solutions help you. Membership gives you answers to all your admin questions as they arise, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to concentrate on making your Gîte the best it can be.
By French administration expert Jo-Ann Howell