dmu

I've just seen a thread on another forum regarding giving notice to leave, and realise that there's no mention of it here.
The notice period depends on what's specified in the Rental Agreement, usually 2 or 3 months. Unless you're obliged to move urgently for justified health, social, or work-related reasons, you have to pay the full rent if you leave beforehand. The Deposit is usually returned after the day of departure, less the costs of repairs or replacements noted during the "état des lleux".
This prior notice must be posted by LRAR (Lettre recommandée avec Avis de Réception), as normal mail, e-mail, telephone call... are invalid, and is a simple letter informing the landlord that you wish to terminate the rental agreement on such and such a date. No need to give a reason unless it's urgent and health/social/work-related.

TextualHealing

I have been to visit some estate agents this week with a view to having an official residence. Most flats in this seaside town are rented (partly furnished).
the paperwork needed?
identity card / passport
recent payslips (or in my case as being self employed last two years tax returns)
proof that you pay your rent / mortgage regularly (receipts or a letter from the recipient)
proof of identity from your bank.
That's not so difficult?

dmu

Difficulties arise if one's income isn't 3-4 times the rent, and if one hasn't got an RIB from a French Bank.
The purpose of this thread was to inform potential expats who are unaware of the solid financial dossier that must be presented to the Agent/Landlord in order to be accepted over other applicants.
In accordance with my favourite maxim, "fore-warned is fore-armed"....

EuroTrash

If you're intending to register the flat as your business address, avoid anything that's let specifically as a holiday rental. As long you rental contract is for a résidence, you are obliged to inform your landlord that you'll be running a business from that address but he can't object (as long as you're not 'open to the public'). But if the rental contract specifies that the property is not to be used as a résidence principale, which holiday let contracts generally do, then obviously it's more complicated.
Happy home -hunting!

TextualHealing

Tx ETand DMU .I'm almost there in terms of the paperwork! Just need to find the flat now!