Discussions

I was fortunate to have recommended to me Pascale Dieudonne by a another reader of AngloInfo French Riviera.   She has just won two cases for me, and I am overjoyed.I have had for 2 months an A.T.D. (Avis de Tiers Detenteur) to seize 5,900 Euros from my bank account in France by the Nice tax office. It was a demand to pay taxe d'habitation for 2015 and 2016. But in endless correspondence with the Nice tax office before the A.T.D. was issued, I provided all the proof needed that my property was rented out.  It is the tenants who pay taxe d'habitation, not the  owner.  I paid taxe fonciere on the dot, as per the law.  Two of the tenants were in receipt of social security, and I forwarded on the proof, which the Nice tax office could check.. All I got back were more computer demands for the 5,900 Euros, and my emails were ignored.  I found out later that these demands have to be issued three times, and then if not paid, the money can be seized from your bank account without warning.   It took a letter from an avocat for the demand to be cancelled. Maitre Dieudonne wrote to a separate department, I believe the legal dept., and they cancelled it because they knew they did not have a leg to  stand on. When I was at the Nice tax office yesterday, I actually met the person who was imposing the demand and was ignoring the evidence that my property was rented out.  A new law has recently been passed that all tenants must sign the "diagnostics" (are there termites?) statement of the apartment, plus they must sign the rules of the co-propriete and the inventory. I had the inventory signed, but how could I know about the diagnostics? The tax official did not tell me. She was using it as a pretext to keep on with her demands.  It is clear she thought that as a foreigner, with no vote in France, I would not defend myself and simply allow my bank account to be rifled.  How grateful I am to Maitre Pascale Dieudonne for acting on my behalf.The second case was a process at the Tribunal against me by a former tenant.  She wanted 5,000 Euros damages because she alleged I made a mistake in calculating the rental arrears she owed.  The former tenant works in the estate agent of her brother in central Nice and regards herself an expert in rental accounting and property law.  I went to the Tribunal representing myself, as I thought that if I went to an "avocat" I'd end up with a bigger bill than the debt the tenant owed. The judge and the magistrates stated that the amount should be decided by an "expert comptable".  I had to pay this accountant 1,500 Euros plus VAT in advance, and if I did not pay, my defence would become null and void.  That "expert comptable" came back twice to get more money, exactly as I suspected.  I am so fortunate that I found Maitre Dieudonne who took the case up. She presented the evidence on my behalf to the Tribunal,  She won the rent arrears for me plus costs.  The demand for 5,000 Euros by the former tenant was thrown out.Maitre Dieudonne's fees are very reasonable considering the amount of work she puts in.  I write to her in English and she replies in French.  Her office is at 47, boul. Victor Hugo, Nice. If anyone wants further details, I shall be pleased to help.The lesson is, never try and represent yourself in court, and also it seems when you have an aggressive tax inspector who can seize the money in your bank account.  

Hello,I am looking for motivated people to embark on a new experience with a fast-growing company.No diploma required, just be motivated and serious.Full-time or part-time position.Compatible work in addition.Work from home from your phone or computer.Scalable income. Please contact me by private message for more information.

The EU website seems to say that a foreigner from another EU country, who has contributed the the Pension system in their country, can claim the State Pension in France (under certain conditions). Has anyone here got any knowledge of that process?

Can anyone tell me where I can get fingerprints done in the Nice area? Thanks

Hello everybody!I am having a big trouble with my landlady in Nice, France.Have been renting for 2 years. Landlord owes three property, every end of the month offers me to move in to another property, which I am kindly refusing, and keep paying my rent.Few days ago 5th of August landlord beg me to exchange the property, another one is cheaper, and told me that not preparing to sell it, so we can have a contract for a year.We have packed and moved in 2 days which has been a total nightmare.But I have done this favour and now suffering from it. Since last the day  we have moved in, landlord keep telling me that flat has been left untidy. I tried over and over to explain that how could we possibly clean the flat if you were moving in the same time whilst we were moving out and had to load the car. She was totally hysterical. I was ready to pay for the cleaner, she said ok. Then message after message, why sofa is dirty, I said call the dry cleaner and I pay. This morning it started all over again. Please transfer to my account 800euro for cleaner and dry cleaning of the sofa, because cleaner worked for 10 hours and needs to be paid 200euro. I said-fine, send me the bills and I will cover. But she is insisting that I pay her cash or bank transfer without any receipts given. Furthermore, during all day I get messages with blackmail, if I dont pay 800euro she will ask me to leave the apartment in one month time, that she does not wish to have me in the apartment any more. I was trying to be polite, also have terrible stress now from her no stop messages. Finally she gave me 3 months, I replied that I am exhausted from all this and please lets stop this. She got aggressive and said that I should to be thankful. I explained that cant keep moving every month as I have other things to do. I am working hard and have to concentrate on my work, but she would not leave me alone and said that now she changed her mind and giving me just one month,until 7of September. Absolutely ridiculous. I read the tenancy obligations and law in France and know that she can not just make me leave but I am really fed up with her. She makes me feel so bad, every time after her message my blood pressure pops up. I am suffering from various health problems and don't need any additional problems. My solicitor sent her a letter by registered post which she got this morning. As soon as this happened she kept sending me threatening messages which I was not replying. In about 30 minutes she arrived at my address, non-stop pressing the door bell and then opened the door with her own key. Broke in to apartment I rent, with a letter from my solicitor.She was totally hysterical,shouting and abusing me. I was shocked,could say a word,was shaking and crying.She tore the solicitor letter into bits,through it to my face,was threatening me with police. I said: Ok,please call the police.Which she would not. Demanding me to leave the apartment in one month or 7th of September. Regarding contract ,she said that she will state at the Court that I am her friend, just asked for accommodation and now don't want to leave. Totally stupid. So I have broken in with all my belongings and lived in one of her property for over a year,continuously paying rent and edf bills and now the same in second apartment. But the problem is that she would not listen a word. Violence, abuse, harassment, blackmail and threats that her sons are going to come from Serbia on Monday and they will be dealing with me.She does not want to listen or understand that there is a law and she is supposed to respect it and follow the procedure. Finally she left,and within few minutes her son rung me from Serbia, saying that maybe his mother was too emotional, but they need the apartment immediately in order to sell it. Nobody would reply to my question,what was a point to rent it out on the 5th of August and make me move in and next day ask to leave. He has also mentioned that coming specially from Serbia on Monday,and know many people here, so better if I stop going to solicitor and pack up quietly and go.<\p> Forgot to mention,I tried to record a video of her visit,by she tried to approach my phone,so I had to back up,as I was simply scared that she can hit me. I can not imagine fighting with people. So I had to hide the phone in my pocket.<\p> I tried to call the solicitor,but unfortunately today is Saturday,and have only his office phone number. I am really scared for my life,because this people are very unpredictable. I am feeling awfully scared and stressed, went to see my doctor,he registered my condition.I just cant understand why should I be a victim of somebodies madness,spent money,which I am earning hart,for solicitors,and live in fear? I cant do anything,just keep crying and scared,shacking hearing any noice in the hall,or when elevator stops on our floor.If I could have available funds now,I would definately try t find another apartment,but its not possible at the moment.Hate myself for being so undefended. Was adviced previously to go to Adil, but now I am worry to leave the dog alone at home,or leave home at all, as its quite possible she may change the locks. Would anybody advice who can help me to resolve the problem and get it sorted with landlord. I really can not speak with this evil woman, she makes me feel so bad. I suppose it was her trick to move me from the apartment and next day say that she need this apartment where we moved in. Do I have to see the solicitor and waste more money, or there are other options? I highly appreciate any help or advice. Thanks in advance

Hello! Anyone know if you can have a French bank account if you are no longer resident in the country and have a UK address? Especially after Brexit. Thanks.

I have a second home in France but live in Ireland, can I claim any reductions on my property taxes due to my age which is 76 and my wife is 75 or does this just apply to residents. Any advice would be much appreciated.

How do I go about doing a permanent house swap and change of ownership between my house in uk to one in France please! 

Myname is Marty Hunt from Dallas, Texas in the United States. I purchased a steelRolex Datejust from a resident (Maxime Bonin de Pissarro) there in Antibes, France that had listed the watch on the Chrono 24 application for buyers & sellers of luxury watches. I realize I’m partly at fault being he askedme to go directly through him & he would give me a better deal. To make along story short the Rolex I purchased looked genuine on the outside, but whentwo professional jewelers of mine opened up the watch, the inside movement iscounterfeit & I’m out $5,300. I want to make the folks there in Antibes where he does business awareof what has happened & will continue to happen until he is held accountable. Please let anyone you know that knows this man of the unethical business he is doing on the internet. Thankyou! Marty HuntMARTYHUNT - salesMotorHome Specialistcell:817-223-9396email: marty@mhsrv.comwebsite:mhsrv.com 

Has anyone had to go through a succession in France? And what did it look like? To be more specific, our notaire sent us a document that was just something that he typed up showing the amount from the sale of the family home minus commission for the agent, taxes, and a deduction for the remaining amount of the mortgage (even though there was mortgage insurance!). We have never seen any bank statements, have no idea if there was any life insurance, etc. Normally there are copies of all pertinent documents regarding assets in a succession. Our notaire has beyond unresponsive and we only received this 'succession' paper from him after we contacted the Chambre des Notaires who initiated a mediation. However, the notaire never signed the mediation agreement within the one week time limit, so that has now been dropped. We live in the U.S. so cannot just pop into the office- which was usually the only time I could manage to get any information when I was in France. It has been four and a half  years now... I believe  the time limit to finish a succession is five years. I am thinking of changing notaires at this point. Can anyone recommend a notaire in the 06 area? 

How much can I earn in France without being taxed? I file my tax form every year in France and pay nothing. But now I have bought a garage to rent out, and before I set the rent payments, I'd like to know the maximum earning level before the tax rates kick in. Thanks for your help.MDP

Hi,I plan to submit my retirement file in France, but I have worked in different EU countries. I spent the last 20 years in France and contributed to the pension scheme here.Could anyone advise me a person or organisation who could help me to understand my rights and explain me what i should do Thanks for the helpPeter

Hello,Having had my QROPS pension value divided by half by a dodgy company in Spain claiming to manage wealth (who have since closed down), I'm now looking for someone (IFA or company direct) who can help me get what's left out of their hands and with a real company.  If anyone has any recommendations please let me know....

Hello I have just received notice that HSBC are closing my bank account in Nice and have given me no reason for doing this. I have tried calling them but got no explanation on the phone.Has anyone else had any experience of this? From what I have read online I think there is little chance they will reconsider. Also could anyone tell me what other Banks or recommendations I could open a Euro account with. I have a second home in Nice but my permanent residence is in the UK. Thanks for any help or advice

If you wish to apply for French residency I am been told that one has to show five years french tax returns is this true.

Does anyone know if household insurance is invalidated by the loss of a key?

Our Nice apartment suffered a mains water leak last November (so not our fault). The insurance company are about to start to repair the damage (mainly painting, replacing laminate flooring) but are asking for a franchise of 163€ up front, which they say will be re-imbursed when the claim is finalised. Is this correct, should I pay? My neighbour hasn't had to pay anything.

I am 'officially' domiciled in UK where I have a property, receive my pensions, pay my taxes. I have 2 children, one in France and one in UK and wish them to inherit equally on my death. I have a second residence in France where I own a small property. In fact  I spend more time in France than in UK.I am worried that the french laws might be applicable to my property in UK as they don't have a tax free threshold like in UK and my children would have to pay 20% taxes on it.Has anybody experience on that subject ?  Would appreciate any advice...

Hello.   Does anyone know someone who can assist me with registering with Orias.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.

After 12 great years I have t sell my apartment in Nice Port.Can anyone recommend a  reasonable local  company to carry out the necessary statutory diagnostic tests on the property ?Many thanksCM