What's up with housing rent contract in France? Isn't it just sign the term of contract and when the contract is due, just return the house keys to the landlords? So easy right? NOPE.
As we are moving out of the 3years old rented house very soon, my husband's company assigned an agent to help us with the moving, selling of the cars, internet and etc. One day, the agent, H, called me up and told me that she is coming over to the house to check on the house. I believed she meant to see how the house has been maintained. Now, I am not trying to be proud here but I must admit that I am a cleanliness freak. :D I vacuum the house everyday and every other day, I mop the floor, wipe the exterior of all cupboards, shine the mirrors. And the house we rent is 2 storeys high. I am a very busy SAHM. Haha.
So she rang the doorbell and I let her in, together with my landlord and his wife?! What is happening here?! Being polite, I let them in. (Now, here in France, Landlord cannot show up at the house unannounced.) After that, H asked for my permission to take photo of the house and I'm like "ok", maybe husband's company wanted the photos of the house for documentation purposes.
Next, H started to walk around the house and went to the kitchen first (landlord and wife following closely behind her). So suspicious. H looked under the stove hood and said "Ah, you need to clean the hood mesh." I said "ok". We are not returning the house yet, so I'm not going to clean it now. If not, I have to clean again, I thought.
Then they looked up at the ceiling, all corners of the walls and air vents and said "there are spider webs, you need to clean it." I wanted to laugh. Even if I clean the spider webs now, they build another one by the afternoon. I swear! Beside, when we first came into the house, the house was filled with spider webs and VERY big spiders. Ok,I exaggerated. Maybe about half the size of my palm ( and my hands are not small ok :D ).
Later, I spoke to my friend who has been staying in Toulouse for many years. She is from Singapore too. She warned me that landlords here will "sabotage" the tenants, especially those who are not French and may not know the rights as a tenants. The reason is that they do not want to return the security deposit. They tried to point out here and there and said the house is not to their cleanliness state. Also, landlord will come over to check on the house at the very last minute so you would not have the time to clean and probably rushing to the airport. She said a lot of her foreigner friends got this from the landlords all the time. Deducting money here and there.
I have to emphasise this, landlord cannot come to the house without seeking permission from you first. They can't show up just like that. If that happen, feel free to chase them away. Nicely please. :D
And when the contract is almost up (like 1 month before), landlord can arrange for people to view the house but he can't simply take over the keys from you, even if you are not at home. It is for your own security. My landlord and H tried to convince us to give up the house keys to them for people to view the house when we wanted to go on a holiday. We didn't do that of cause.
Let's talk about the house when arrived in Toulouse, France. It was not ready for us to move in so we put up in a service apartment for 3 weeks. We have already signed the rental contract and we were supposed to move in a few days later when we arrived. The house is empty without the essential furniture, except the kitchen. It is quite normal to rent an empty house or apartment in France and once the contract is due, people will just sell away the furniture. The house have nothing to sit on and mind you, people here wear shoes into your house. We don't! As the house just finished with the renovation, the floor was very dirty and you definitely don't want to sit on the floor. The windows on the house were filthy with dust from the renovation and the walls were infested with thick spider webs. yucks! I cleaned that up all for the landlord. so he should be grateful, right? or so I thought.
Now, after 3years, We have to return the house. guess what? the landlord uses the same tricks as other landlords. Finding little specks of dusts, a little black line on the walls, walls have to be extremely white ( he is asking us to paint his walls for free!). So my hubs spent about 2 hours arguing with the landlord. Luckily, we have our agent with us and all was resolved without us paying any cents. phew.....
See in France, is like this. just be careful and knows your right. take photos of the house before and after. Cover your back.
Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Showing posts with label France. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
The beggars in France
Today I took Erica to Lidl (supermarket) to get my groceries and sitting outside Lidl was a man begging for money. He don't look French to me, more like from middle-eastern country. He greeted me "Bonjour!" And asked me to give him a piece of coin.
Now, I am a very soft-hearted and you would say a generous person. If I can help and it is within my means, I will try my best to help that person. I am definitely not rich. If I only have $2, I give that poor soul $1.
I didn't give the beggar any money (I didn't have any money with me, except my debit card). I went into Lidl, bought 2 croissants and other groceries that I needed, went outside and gave him the croissants. I guess he didn't expect anyone to buy him food. Usually people will just gave him a coin.
My husband will always scold me for always giving things or donating money when we didn't even have enough. Well, that's me. Everyday, I count my blessings and thought about some people who are less fortunate than me. Anyway, my husband and my friends did remind me that these beggars do have help from the govt. e.g shelters, money and medical benefits. And that begging is an easy way to get money, instead of working. Personally, I think it may be a little difficult for some of them to get a job as some of them are migrants.
Beggars in France, I noticed, consist of the French people, the young people and the old people. They are everywhere. On the streets, outside supermarkets, traffic lights junctions, etc. Sometimes, I wonder why they beg when they are French, I mean, don't their government help them in some ways?I am very naive, right? These young beggars, they look fit and healthy to me. Why beg? Aren't they suppose to be in school? There was one time I saw an old women holding a sleeping child and begging on the street! I cannot bear to see this, especially when it involve children and this one was sleeping?! I had a feeling the child was drugged. Few days later, I went back to that street again as I couldn't rest my mind. The old woman with the sleeping child was gone. I went by a few times the next few weeks, still no sign. Phew.. I guess the authority must have intervened.
When I first came to France, I like to go by this small supermarket to get my grocery. Outside the supermarket, there was this man, I think he is French, who begged for money. He looked strong, tall and healthy to me, except for his long unkept hair. And whenever I walked past him, I will gave him some coins. One day, as usual, I walked past him and saw him talking to an old man. That old man look like he was counseling or advising him something. Few weeks later, I did not see the beggar again. Later on, I did see him again. He has cut his hair short and he seem to be walking somewhere. He was not begging anymore. Actually, I was kind of happy. Maybe he found a job or maybe he found hope. Maybe He found life again.
I look at Singapore, my home country, and we are truly fortunate and blessed.
Now, I am a very soft-hearted and you would say a generous person. If I can help and it is within my means, I will try my best to help that person. I am definitely not rich. If I only have $2, I give that poor soul $1.
I didn't give the beggar any money (I didn't have any money with me, except my debit card). I went into Lidl, bought 2 croissants and other groceries that I needed, went outside and gave him the croissants. I guess he didn't expect anyone to buy him food. Usually people will just gave him a coin.
My husband will always scold me for always giving things or donating money when we didn't even have enough. Well, that's me. Everyday, I count my blessings and thought about some people who are less fortunate than me. Anyway, my husband and my friends did remind me that these beggars do have help from the govt. e.g shelters, money and medical benefits. And that begging is an easy way to get money, instead of working. Personally, I think it may be a little difficult for some of them to get a job as some of them are migrants.
Beggars in France, I noticed, consist of the French people, the young people and the old people. They are everywhere. On the streets, outside supermarkets, traffic lights junctions, etc. Sometimes, I wonder why they beg when they are French, I mean, don't their government help them in some ways?I am very naive, right? These young beggars, they look fit and healthy to me. Why beg? Aren't they suppose to be in school? There was one time I saw an old women holding a sleeping child and begging on the street! I cannot bear to see this, especially when it involve children and this one was sleeping?! I had a feeling the child was drugged. Few days later, I went back to that street again as I couldn't rest my mind. The old woman with the sleeping child was gone. I went by a few times the next few weeks, still no sign. Phew.. I guess the authority must have intervened.
When I first came to France, I like to go by this small supermarket to get my grocery. Outside the supermarket, there was this man, I think he is French, who begged for money. He looked strong, tall and healthy to me, except for his long unkept hair. And whenever I walked past him, I will gave him some coins. One day, as usual, I walked past him and saw him talking to an old man. That old man look like he was counseling or advising him something. Few weeks later, I did not see the beggar again. Later on, I did see him again. He has cut his hair short and he seem to be walking somewhere. He was not begging anymore. Actually, I was kind of happy. Maybe he found a job or maybe he found hope. Maybe He found life again.
I look at Singapore, my home country, and we are truly fortunate and blessed.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Indoor playground - Rigolus Park (closed)
Rigolus Park is our 2nd favourite indoor playground (the first is Royal Kids). Unlike Royal Kids, Rigolus Park is all about huge bouncy castles! Once in a while, they will even change the bouncy castles so there are always a varieties. What you see this month, may be different 2-3 months later. During summer, they will open up their garden for outdoor play with water fun! OMG! So the children get to enjoy indoor play as well as outdoor. Awesome!
They also host companies bonding session. So companies who are spontaneous can go check it out! I saw a video on some companies events on their website and it look fun.
They organize birthday parties, parents get to have free wifi services. The only thing lacking, is their food menu. Not really a lot of choices except if you don't mind waffles and crepes. And the usual coffee, soft drinks and ice-cream.
They have a spacious big carpark which is very good for school bus to park there. The entrance fee is cheap compare to other indoor play at 11euro for unlimited play.
For some parents who prefer to sit at the tables, they might not like it as certain play areas are obstructed so they can't see where their children. But I'm fine with it, as I prefer to follow my kids in case they get push, they fall down or get struck. Overall, I will bring my kids there as much as possible. I just have to make sure I will plan it in a way it is not too near their meal time in case, I have to find food for them.
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| Mummy, look at us! Sofa! |
They organize birthday parties, parents get to have free wifi services. The only thing lacking, is their food menu. Not really a lot of choices except if you don't mind waffles and crepes. And the usual coffee, soft drinks and ice-cream.
They have a spacious big carpark which is very good for school bus to park there. The entrance fee is cheap compare to other indoor play at 11euro for unlimited play.
For some parents who prefer to sit at the tables, they might not like it as certain play areas are obstructed so they can't see where their children. But I'm fine with it, as I prefer to follow my kids in case they get push, they fall down or get struck. Overall, I will bring my kids there as much as possible. I just have to make sure I will plan it in a way it is not too near their meal time in case, I have to find food for them.
 |
| Trampoline - great way to tire the kids! |
Address: 1 Rue de la Caussade, 31240 L'Union, France
Indoor playground - Rigolus Park (closed)
Rigolus Park is our 2nd favourite indoor playground (the first is Royal Kids). Unlike Royal Kids, Rigolus Park is all about huge bouncy castles! Once in a while, they will even change the bouncy castles so there are always a varieties. What you see this month, may be different 2-3 months later. During summer, they will open up their garden for outdoor play with water fun! OMG! So the children get to enjoy indoor play as well as outdoor. Awesome!
They also host companies bonding session. So companies who are spontaneous can go check it out! I saw a video on some companies events on their website and it look fun.
They organize birthday parties, parents get to have free wifi services. The only thing lacking, is their food menu. Not really a lot of choices except if you don't mind waffles and crepes. And the usual coffee, soft drinks and ice-cream.
They have a spacious big carpark which is very good for school bus to park there. The entrance fee is cheap compare to other indoor play at 11euro for unlimited play.
For some parents who prefer to sit at the tables, they might not like it as certain play areas are obstructed so they can't see where their children. But I'm fine with it, as I prefer to follow my kids in case they get push, they fall down or get struck. Overall, I will bring my kids there as much as possible. I just have to make sure I will plan it in a way it is not too near their meal time in case, I have to find food for them.
|
| Mummy, look at us! Sofa! |
They organize birthday parties, parents get to have free wifi services. The only thing lacking, is their food menu. Not really a lot of choices except if you don't mind waffles and crepes. And the usual coffee, soft drinks and ice-cream.
They have a spacious big carpark which is very good for school bus to park there. The entrance fee is cheap compare to other indoor play at 11euro for unlimited play.
For some parents who prefer to sit at the tables, they might not like it as certain play areas are obstructed so they can't see where their children. But I'm fine with it, as I prefer to follow my kids in case they get push, they fall down or get struck. Overall, I will bring my kids there as much as possible. I just have to make sure I will plan it in a way it is not too near their meal time in case, I have to find food for them.
|
| Trampoline - great way to tire the kids! |
Address: 1 Rue de la Caussade, 31240 L'Union, France
Monday, January 11, 2016
Indoor Playgrounds in Toulouse, France - Royal kids
*updated: new trampolines!
The kids have been begging me to go indoor playground, I finally said 'yes'. Royalkids has added a new trampoline area and that kind of filled up all the empty spaces in there. Yipee!
There is also an interactive game in the disco room now, where the kids can dance and pop the balloons at the same time. Hooray!
My kids favorite indoor playground is Royal kids. I love to go there too. Why? Because I can get to play too. Haha! Kidou Recre at do not allow adults at the play areas and they are very strict about it. There was one time a man went up the play area to help his toddler but the staff announced on the microphone that he is not allowed in there. I can imagine how embarrassing it was for him as everyone turned to look at him. But then, the toddler need help, right? What to do? The poor father just watched his toddler cried up there. So silly of the staff.
Royal kids is one big jungle gym and you get to climb with your children if they need help. Or if you just want to do some workout. ;) There is also cars driving section (you need to buy token from the staff), and you can ride with your child. And another section for arcades playing (they recently add initial D car racing). There is a giant lego section, a soccer area and a disco section. Woohoo!
For the adults, there is a free wifi corner to surf your internet and magazines corner (in French only). The Cafe I thought serve reasonably good food. Example burgers, fries, waffles, crepes, nuggets, pizza, etc. My kids always love their kids menu which consist of nuggets and fries, caprisun drink, apple purée and a free token for the car ride. And I always order the waffles and burgers. Yummy!
They also organise birthday parties with different packages. I think one of the packages include royal kids' mascot. It's a cute dragon. ;)
Address: 185 Avenue de Fronton, 31000 Toulouse
The kids have been begging me to go indoor playground, I finally said 'yes'. Royalkids has added a new trampoline area and that kind of filled up all the empty spaces in there. Yipee!
My kids favorite indoor playground is Royal kids. I love to go there too. Why? Because I can get to play too. Haha! Kidou Recre at do not allow adults at the play areas and they are very strict about it. There was one time a man went up the play area to help his toddler but the staff announced on the microphone that he is not allowed in there. I can imagine how embarrassing it was for him as everyone turned to look at him. But then, the toddler need help, right? What to do? The poor father just watched his toddler cried up there. So silly of the staff.
Royal kids is one big jungle gym and you get to climb with your children if they need help. Or if you just want to do some workout. ;) There is also cars driving section (you need to buy token from the staff), and you can ride with your child. And another section for arcades playing (they recently add initial D car racing). There is a giant lego section, a soccer area and a disco section. Woohoo!
For the adults, there is a free wifi corner to surf your internet and magazines corner (in French only). The Cafe I thought serve reasonably good food. Example burgers, fries, waffles, crepes, nuggets, pizza, etc. My kids always love their kids menu which consist of nuggets and fries, caprisun drink, apple purée and a free token for the car ride. And I always order the waffles and burgers. Yummy!
They also organise birthday parties with different packages. I think one of the packages include royal kids' mascot. It's a cute dragon. ;)
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| Giant lego! |
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| Ball pit is a must |
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| You need coins for this |
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| See my dancing, mummy |
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| This area is for babies and toddlers |
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| Spacious place for adults and meal time |
Address: 185 Avenue de Fronton, 31000 Toulouse
Opening hours: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 - 19:00
Tuesday and Thursday 15:00 - 19:00
Close on Monday
Open everyday during school holiday 10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday and Thursday 15:00 - 19:00
Close on Monday
Open everyday during school holiday 10:00 - 17:00
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