experience with apartment rentals?
Jan 23rd, 2004, 09:06 AM
#1
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experience with apartment rentals?
I am considering renting an apartment in Provence that I found on the internet through "1st Class Rentals". You deal directly with the owner. What sort of gaurantee do you have? How do you know the place will be clean? What questions should one ask? I am interested in hearing about others experiences in renting.
Jan 23rd, 2004, 09:26 AM
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Can only speak from one experience in London. Our apartment was on a noisy street with single-pane windows (had been advertised as in a "quiet residential neighborhood). We were not provided with the key to the back-garden gate until mid-stay, despite repeated calls to the owner. Full payment was required in advance and no refunds once arrived.
We had felt confident as the owner himself, a delightful pharmacist from London, had called us to discuss apartment options.
I'm sure many people have had good experiences, but we decided to stick with hotels after this--no problem checking our early if you're unhappy.
We had felt confident as the owner himself, a delightful pharmacist from London, had called us to discuss apartment options.
I'm sure many people have had good experiences, but we decided to stick with hotels after this--no problem checking our early if you're unhappy.
Jan 23rd, 2004, 09:47 AM
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I'll readily admit that there are simply no true "guarantees" when you rent an apartment. The best you can do is research carefully the owner or the agency you are renting from and getting opinions from other renters. Of course, that is still far from a guarantee because there will always be conflicting opinions.
I've been extremely lucky. We first rented a flat in London via an agency we simply found in the back of The New Yorker -- Farnum and Christ. We trusted them, and have so fallen in love with the place that this year will be renting the same flat for our seventh or eighth time (I've lost count). Last year for the first time we rented a Paris Apartment and after struggling with conflicting opinions about most of the agencies, and having mixed feelings about what I saw on their websites, I finally rented directly through an independent owner who lives in the US. It could have been disaster, but it was great. We will return to the same one this year. More and more I'm switching to apartments and extending many stays to a week. I'm sure I'll end up with some not so great experiences, but so far I've been really lucky and happy.
I've been extremely lucky. We first rented a flat in London via an agency we simply found in the back of The New Yorker -- Farnum and Christ. We trusted them, and have so fallen in love with the place that this year will be renting the same flat for our seventh or eighth time (I've lost count). Last year for the first time we rented a Paris Apartment and after struggling with conflicting opinions about most of the agencies, and having mixed feelings about what I saw on their websites, I finally rented directly through an independent owner who lives in the US. It could have been disaster, but it was great. We will return to the same one this year. More and more I'm switching to apartments and extending many stays to a week. I'm sure I'll end up with some not so great experiences, but so far I've been really lucky and happy.
Jan 23rd, 2004, 11:09 AM
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Message: I agree with Patrick..we have changed the way we travel so we can rent apartments more and stay in hotels less.
We've rented direct from owners through websites and had very different experiences...once in the Midi from a couple who did not want even a deposit, very charming place, lot of information before we arrived, lots of local information...very helpful - no dissapointments. Another time we rented (same area) very limited description of the place, the owner was not forthcoming on details but the price was right, we took a chance and the apartment was perfect, great sea views, etc. I was a bit nervous about it though...especially since we had to pay 100% in cash up front - it worked out perfect and I would rent again from total strangers.
We've rented flats in London too - the $$ savings just can't be beat.
Never have had a real problem...
Do ask about linen service, cleaning service (you may not want to spend a couple hours of your vacation cleaning the place if you can pay to have it done and sometimes there are no cleaning supplies so you have to buy them too!) Ask if there is a washer and dryer - very handy. How to pick up a key if you arrive late in the evening. A local contact person is always helpful. Can you speak their language? Is there parking (if you're renting a car.)
Directions - don't forget to get them!
I don't think you have any guarantee unless you can somehow pay with a credit card?
You can always try to get references from other renters of the same property or query this board and see if someone has heard of the property. Good luck!
Click Here
We've rented direct from owners through websites and had very different experiences...once in the Midi from a couple who did not want even a deposit, very charming place, lot of information before we arrived, lots of local information...very helpful - no dissapointments. Another time we rented (same area) very limited description of the place, the owner was not forthcoming on details but the price was right, we took a chance and the apartment was perfect, great sea views, etc. I was a bit nervous about it though...especially since we had to pay 100% in cash up front - it worked out perfect and I would rent again from total strangers.
We've rented flats in London too - the $$ savings just can't be beat.
Never have had a real problem...
Do ask about linen service, cleaning service (you may not want to spend a couple hours of your vacation cleaning the place if you can pay to have it done and sometimes there are no cleaning supplies so you have to buy them too!) Ask if there is a washer and dryer - very handy. How to pick up a key if you arrive late in the evening. A local contact person is always helpful. Can you speak their language? Is there parking (if you're renting a car.)
Directions - don't forget to get them!
I don't think you have any guarantee unless you can somehow pay with a credit card?
You can always try to get references from other renters of the same property or query this board and see if someone has heard of the property. Good luck!
Click Here
Jan 23rd, 2004, 11:40 AM
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There is no guarantee if you rent directly from the owner on anything, that's the problem. I suppose the only guarantee would be if they required no prepayment and allowed you to leave if you didn't like the place, but you won't find that. I don't think you'll find any private owner who accepts credit cards, either.
That's why I will only rent vacation apts from reputable agencies. I know other people are willing to risk this and lay out thousands to a stranger but I"m not. I also don't think renting an apt. for a vacation stay is so crucial to me that I'll risk those kind of problems. Unless I have a really good reason and a longer stay, I just stay in a hotel because it's easier and less risky and cheaper for the level and quality of place I am willing to accept. A lot of rental apts have crummy beds.
There are lots of questions to ask, many would only be things that might be important to you. The basics are obviously deposits, financial arrangements, linen provision, and checkin/out procedures. If it's an area you don't know, directions of course etc. I wouldn't rent an apt in an area I didn't know, however, or at least know somewhat so I"d know if the location made sense for what I wanted to do and accessibility to stores and major roads.
That's why I will only rent vacation apts from reputable agencies. I know other people are willing to risk this and lay out thousands to a stranger but I"m not. I also don't think renting an apt. for a vacation stay is so crucial to me that I'll risk those kind of problems. Unless I have a really good reason and a longer stay, I just stay in a hotel because it's easier and less risky and cheaper for the level and quality of place I am willing to accept. A lot of rental apts have crummy beds.
There are lots of questions to ask, many would only be things that might be important to you. The basics are obviously deposits, financial arrangements, linen provision, and checkin/out procedures. If it's an area you don't know, directions of course etc. I wouldn't rent an apt in an area I didn't know, however, or at least know somewhat so I"d know if the location made sense for what I wanted to do and accessibility to stores and major roads.
Jan 23rd, 2004, 11:56 AM
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The apartments we're renting this summer in Venice and Montepulciano are being done directly through the local owners. In Venice it is an apartment directly above the owner's private residence. In Montepulciano there are four apartments attached to the residence of the two sisters who own it. In both cases these owners have requested no deposit and no prepayment. Both have said to pay in full upon arrival. I suppose if there was a snowball's chance in hell that the places were so bad or often unclean that people would refuse to pay, they wouldn't be offering such a frank and easy deal. I'm renting with great confidence on both of those (coupled with rave reviews from other Fodorites who have stayed there).
Jan 23rd, 2004, 12:11 PM
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I haven't rented a place YET, but after hearing & reading all the experiences here I would definitely consider it <i>IF</i> I was familiar with the town/area. I think the 1 thing that's difficult to know/imagine is whether I will like this town vs that town.
After that I'd want lots of pictures -inside & out- & I'd pay attention to things that matter to me-bathroom, size of beds, linens, towels etc. References from other renters. I just can't picture myself paying 100% upfront though.
After that I'd want lots of pictures -inside & out- & I'd pay attention to things that matter to me-bathroom, size of beds, linens, towels etc. References from other renters. I just can't picture myself paying 100% upfront though.
Jan 23rd, 2004, 01:00 PM
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Patrick, is there a website for the Paris apartment and, if so, would you be willing to share that information? I think you offered this information before, but I could not locate the thread on it.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Jan 24th, 2004, 04:22 AM
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We've never rented through an agency because the prices are IMO a lot more expensive than if you rent direct with the owner.
We've rented quite a bit mostly in places we've never been to before, sight unseen. A good way to get an idea of the area is a google search for the town and try to get a feel for the locale that way. Lots of pictures of the flat/apt. also helps (although not always available).
We've rented quite a bit mostly in places we've never been to before, sight unseen. A good way to get an idea of the area is a google search for the town and try to get a feel for the locale that way. Lots of pictures of the flat/apt. also helps (although not always available).
Jan 24th, 2004, 04:38 AM
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To Mariann, the Paris apartment I rent can be found and contact with owner made via: www.sant.com
The only negative I sort of have is that in the bathroom (which is really nice) the step up to tub has no curtain and no divider to the rest of the bathroom. There is a lot of "mopping" up required after taking a shower, not so much of the floor, but of the mirror and vanity/basin next to it -- but at least the shower head is attached to the wall -- not one of those hand-held devices.
And although there is free high speed internet hookup at the desk in the master bedroom, I could never get it to work with my laptop -- although I think I've since figured out how I had my computer mis-configured, so it was my fault, not theirs.
The only negative I sort of have is that in the bathroom (which is really nice) the step up to tub has no curtain and no divider to the rest of the bathroom. There is a lot of "mopping" up required after taking a shower, not so much of the floor, but of the mirror and vanity/basin next to it -- but at least the shower head is attached to the wall -- not one of those hand-held devices.
And although there is free high speed internet hookup at the desk in the master bedroom, I could never get it to work with my laptop -- although I think I've since figured out how I had my computer mis-configured, so it was my fault, not theirs.
Jan 24th, 2004, 05:37 AM
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Patrick, thanks so much for the info!
We also prefer apartments or villas for vacations - the experience is so different from staying at a hotel. For our anniversary trip this summer, we have an apartment in Villefranche -sur-mer and an apartment in a two apartment villa in Sorrento. Our visit to Rome is only two nights so we have a hotel there, but we are reconsidering our stay in Paris (4 nights) at the Madison - an apartment would be wonderful!
By the way, I am looking forward to seeing you and all the others on the webcam on Saturday in Naples, Florida at the Fodors get together there. Wear BIG name tags. My husband and I will be at the Boston event on Friday night. Have a great time!
Jan 24th, 2004, 07:18 AM
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I have rented apaartments in Paris and in Provence..all with very good experiences. www.vrbo.com is a site to rent directly from owners..they all have different rules and regulations..just do your best in checking them out, look at the pictures closely etc.
I am not familiar with 1st Class Rentals.
I am not familiar with 1st Class Rentals.
Jan 24th, 2004, 03:01 PM
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Ita, the website we used is holidayfrance.com. We have been communicating with the owner of the apartment. So far, all seems to be moving along smoothly. They sent us a very detailed agreement and info about getting the key. They also sent general, helpful info about Villefranche and the area. They were very reassuring that all would be in order for us and, if not, they told us who to call to get it straightened out.
If you rent a villa or apartment, make sure to have the owner's phone number or rental agency number with you as well as the local number to call if there is an issue or concern. Ask what you should do if something is not right upon your arrival or if something goes wrong while you are there. We rented a beautiful villa in Massa Lubrense a few years ago. It was very hot in Italy at the time. When we arrived, the villa was oppressively hot so I asked the housekeeper if she knew where fans were stored. There weren't any so I called the local contact person and 5 new fans were delivered within the hour. They also put in a new washing machine because the old one was not working properly. Check the apartment or villa out before the contact person or manager departs. Ask them to walk through it with you - check lights, fridge, heat, AC, door locks, washer, flush toilets, run the shower and faucets, etc. That's how we discovered that the washing machine wasn't working so arrangements were made to replace it immediately. Good luck with your apartment search and have a great vacation.
Patrick, I emailed the owner of the Paris apartment who replied within a few hours. Unfortunately, it is already booked for the time we will be there. I will save the info for our next visit to Paris. Thanks again.
If you rent a villa or apartment, make sure to have the owner's phone number or rental agency number with you as well as the local number to call if there is an issue or concern. Ask what you should do if something is not right upon your arrival or if something goes wrong while you are there. We rented a beautiful villa in Massa Lubrense a few years ago. It was very hot in Italy at the time. When we arrived, the villa was oppressively hot so I asked the housekeeper if she knew where fans were stored. There weren't any so I called the local contact person and 5 new fans were delivered within the hour. They also put in a new washing machine because the old one was not working properly. Check the apartment or villa out before the contact person or manager departs. Ask them to walk through it with you - check lights, fridge, heat, AC, door locks, washer, flush toilets, run the shower and faucets, etc. That's how we discovered that the washing machine wasn't working so arrangements were made to replace it immediately. Good luck with your apartment search and have a great vacation.
Patrick, I emailed the owner of the Paris apartment who replied within a few hours. Unfortunately, it is already booked for the time we will be there. I will save the info for our next visit to Paris. Thanks again.
Jan 24th, 2004, 05:22 PM
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We had a terrible experience with Barclay Web on two rentals in Italy...really, really terrible. We had rented a place in Tuscany for one week and followed the instructions to a T. However, nobody was there and we kept trying for 4 hours -- it was a Saturday and so their US offices were not open-- and, with our 2-year old getting very impatient in the car, and we ended up having to drive up to a stranger's house and ask to spend the night. We left the next day through changing our flights after we still couldn't get through to Barclay Web and when we were back, they were not even contrite. It was terrible, terrible, terrible.
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