For a temporary stay, long-term rental could be a good option if the contract covers collection of the appliance and breakdown support. That way, you avoid having to arrange a sale or transport when you leave. However, France’s National Consumer Institute points out that renting for an extended period can cost more than buying the appliance. Compare the total cost of the rental with the cost of buying an appliance you could keep, transport or sell on.
You need to equip a home, but won’t be able to easily sell, move or disconnect a large appliance when you leave. France’s National Consumer Institute gives the example of a student whose need for appliances is temporary.
You’d rather not arrange delivery, deal with a breakdown or organise collection yourself. Boulanger Location advertises some of these services with its rental plans. Check which ones apply to your chosen appliance and address.
You can keep, transport or sell on the appliance. In that case, it’s worth comparing buying with renting, which can cost more than the appliance itself over an extended period, as France’s National Consumer Institute points out.
If you’re staying in a home in France temporarily, start by considering your likely departure date and what you’ll be able to do with the appliances afterwards. The contract length, included services and return conditions can all affect which option is right for you.
Worth considering: if your need is temporary and having the appliance collected saves you arranging transport or a sale.
What to bear in mind: you remain a tenant and must return the appliance. France’s National Consumer Institute describes a fixed-term plan lasting between 6 and 48 months. What happens if you leave early depends on your contract.
Worth considering: if you can keep the appliance after your stay, take it with you or arrange to sell it.
What to bear in mind: you’ll need to deal with the appliance when you leave, even if you no longer need it.
Worth considering: if you can inspect the appliance and arrange to transport it, then keep or sell it on.
What to bear in mind: check the condition and accessories before buying. According to France’s Ministry of the Economy, the statutory conformity guarantee that applies to purchases from a professional seller does not cover sales between private individuals.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Cost over the expected period | Calculate the instalments and contractual fees for your stay, then compare them with the cost of a similar purchase, taking a realistic resale value into account. | I may be able to keep or sell the appliance after my stay, so I want to know the total cost of each option; around 42% of consumers would make this their top priority. |
| Leaving without a lot of hassle | Confirm who delivers, installs if needed, disconnects and collects the appliance, and check the terms that apply to your address. | I won’t be able to transport a large appliance or arrange to sell it when I leave; for around 33% of consumers, avoiding this hassle would be their main concern. |
| Contract flexibility | Read the contract term, early termination clauses and return requirements, especially those covering accessories. | My departure date could change, and I want to know what I’m required to do if I leave early or return the appliance; around 25% of consumers would prioritise this flexibility. |
France’s National Consumer Institute says that renting for an extended period can cost more than buying the appliance. An initial payment may also be due on top of the monthly instalments.
Work out what the rental plan will cost for the length of your stay, then compare it with an equivalent appliance. Make sure you account separately for delivery, installation, collection and breakdown cover.
Services depend on the plan and your address. Boulanger Location advertises delivery and collection, but its terms exclude Corsica and France’s overseas territories from the areas it covers.
Before you commit, check that the service is available at your home, as well as the arrangements for installation, disconnection and collection of your chosen appliance.
Under the plan described by France’s National Consumer Institute, the tenant does not become the owner of the appliance when the contract ends.
If you want to keep it, ask whether the contract specifically includes an option to buy. If not, make plans to return it.
France’s Ministry of the Economy explains that the statutory conformity guarantee does not apply to second-hand goods sold by a private individual, unlike purchases from a professional seller.
Check the seller’s status and, if possible, inspect the appliance and accessories before arranging transport.
The tipping point depends on the appliance, the rental plan and how long you need it for. France’s National Consumer Institute says that renting for an extended period can cost more than buying the appliance. Compare all the payments due under the contract with the cost of a similar purchase, taking into account the included services and what you’ll be able to do with the appliance when you leave.
Not necessarily. Check each service included in the plan you’re considering. Boulanger Location advertises delivery and collection, as well as installation for large appliances. Confirm the terms that apply to your appliance, address and access to your home, and don’t assume disconnection is included.
You’ll need to return the appliance in line with the terms of your contract. France’s National Consumer Institute refers to returning it in good condition, allowing for normal wear and tear. Keep an inventory and check which accessories must be returned with the appliance, as well as how collection is arranged.
No. This guarantee does not apply to sales between private individuals. France’s Ministry of the Economy explains that it covers purchases from professional sellers, so check the seller’s status before buying a second-hand appliance.