We attempted to resolve this directly with A1 Real Estate, but they washed their hands of the…read moreserious tax issues caused by how our rental was set up. Because of this, I feel a responsibility to warn future renters.
Please make sure -- in writing -- how your rental will be classified (primary vs. secondary residence), who will be listed as the responsible "occupant," and what tax obligations you may later be held liable for. I strongly recommend having a legal or tax professional review his contract. If we had known what we know now, we would have looked elsewhere.
During my stay, Andy was responsive, but key information was never disclosed. The apartment was treated as a secondary residence without my knowledge, which later resulted in me being charged the French residence tax (Taxe d'Habitation) almost a year after moving out. Rent payments were also routed outside French banking channels, creating further issues with documentation and tax authorities.
These practices created major, unexpected financial and legal consequences for me. I urge renters to be extremely cautious -- or consider looking elsewhere.