We will be moving over in October and wanting to rent before we buy. I have read some old posts that say the big rental agencies require a letter from a french national. Is this still the case? If so what if any is the way around it.

TIA

We rented without needing a letter from a French national. It is not a requirement we encountered, despite dealing with numerous rental agencies.

Are you maybe seeing references to needing a guarantor? – who tends to need to be local.

Thanks for your reply. The post I read was from 2016 and I may have misunderstood what was being asked for. If you have rented recently and didn't encounter any problems then thats very encouraging.

Thanks again.

These two discussions will probably be helpful:

• Letter of guarantee for rentals;
• Private V estate agent – for when the time comes to buy.

Depending on your area of France, you may find it easier to rent privately from a non-French owner. Obtaining a suitable guarantor, without established family in the country, is possible but difficult.

Thanks very much