amwosu

The terms of the contract are similar to most I've agreed to as is the amount of the security deposit.

If no recs for that apt. is a deal breaker for you just search this site and slowtrav to find many other apts. that have been reviewed by members who have used them.

StCirq

I don't know what a standard deposit is, or if there is even a standard, but I charge $500 - and there have been at least two occasions where I needed to go after the renters for even more than that because of excessive telephone bills or furniture breakage. So I'd say that's not an unfair amount to ask.

julie_Colorado

I'm looking for an apartment in Paris for october. One personal actually asked for a 1000 euro deposit plus references?!. Please, am I adopting their children?

isabel

When you rent through vrbo.com you are dealing with an individual who owns an apartment, rather than an agency. At least that's my understanding. I think you are more at risk for things going wrong in this situation. There are many agencies which have many apartments and you are dealing with the agency rather than the owner. I felt there was more security in that arrangement. I rented last year with rentparis.com and had a great experience. They wanted 50% at the time of booking, but the remaining 50% didn't have to be paid till you got there - and therefore could actually see the apartment. It did have to be in cash but that's pretty standard. They said they wanted a security deposit, but that it could be a personal check (American bank was ok). And when we got there they even said they didn't need it, they'd just bill us if we damaged anything. In fact they said if you break something like a dish just replace it. We did break a glass and we went to Monoprix and replaced it.

I understand your apprehension, but renting an apartment was a great experience and I'll do it again. Try considering an agency instead of an individual if you're scared.

NeoPatrick

While the theory of an agency being "safer" than dealing with an individual seems to make sense, I'm not sure how true that is regarding the actual experience.

I read a whole lot more reports about people having great difficulty with agencies to correct problems when they arise. Yet I read very few of those complaints on owner run apartments. I've done both, and frankly I've gotten quick response from all the owners. They seem to take much more personal pride and interest. Several have made a point of calling me the first full day to make sure everything is fine. And even when the owner is out of town, there tends to be someone in the same building to handle "emergencies", often easier to get hold of than an agency -- paricularly on a weekend or in the evening, when most emergencies arise.

robjame

Patrick - There may be some truth in what you say however the "problems" that renters are really concerned with are not situations that necessarily arise during the rental. Rather the main concern is renting a phantom apartment, sending money to a shell owner who simply absconds with the money.
Organizations like VRBO are only advertising vehicles for individual owners - hence the name "Vacation Rental By Owner". They take no responsibility or liability for the rental. On the other hand, rental agencies like rentparis or frenchyrentals.com tend to be managing companies. There is something there with more than one apartment - something to go after.
The other guy could be in... well... Argentina.
I know which I chose to put my trust (and money) with.

amwosu

Actually, many of the popular apartments rented through agencies are also listed on vrbo.com as well. I've rented a number of times via vrbo where there is actually an agency involved as well.

What's the name of the really popular group of apts all in the 7th , many with views of Eiffel Tower owned by a former cardiologist and his American wife? Those can be found on vrbo as well.

I like vrbo.com because the number of possibilities is far greater than if you limit your search to small agencies only. On vrbo, there is often a link called "See my other listings" or "Go to owners website" and you will see that the apt is actually part of a management agency.

robjame

amwosu - I don't know the ins and outs of being an owner abroad, but I would suggest that either these other agencies are also merely rental agencies or the owner has his apartment advertised elsewhere to increase exposure. Regardless just because they are on another agency's site, you are not going to profit buy there protection unless you rent it through that vehicle. In any case read the print, small and large. The OP is concerned with fraud not a wide variety of choices.

janisj

I personally don't like the flat and wouldn't book it (for the reasons mentioned by others)

But the contract and Argentina are not off putting at all.

I would feel totally safe - especially since payment can be made by credit card. If it was a fraud, you are protected by the credit card company.

But as I said - I'd keep looking for something else in the same price range but in a less busy neighborhood. I've stayed in larger/nicer flats that cost less than this one.

gypsy2_25

Just as an update - I went ahead and booked an apartment with parisbestlodges.com, since I came across the name so many times in posts and they were always positive comments. What are your thoughts.... http://www.parisbestlodge.com/thorigny.html

amwosu

I think you made a good decision to work with a company that many fodorites have also used. I doubt that there is much chance for fraud that way.

I think you made a good choice in location and the aprtment looks nice. How many of you are going? That sofa bed in the corner looks like it would be a tough fit for mor that one person or two small children.

Having a tub and shower is always good although the shower head is so high that depending on the water pressure it may need to be hand held to do any good at rinsing shampoo from one's hair.

You will be close to Cafe Beaubourg which I enjoyed for lunch after seeing the Pompidou. You are in very close walking distance to many wonderful sites.

I've never stayed in that area but noise might be a factor. Maybe someone else can comment on that. I wouldn't let that stop me from such a cute place though.

mike1728

Hello, I have booked villas and apartments thru VRBO several times, and was very satisfied each time. We rented a lovely apartment in Paris in September 2005...VRBO #18667 and it was great!...you can see my review on the site. I always rent apartments on my Europe travels and find it much more enjoyable than hotels.

Good luck
Mike1728

robjame

<<Hello, I have booked villas and apartments thru VRBO several times, and was very satisfied each time>>

I think that one thing we have to be careful of is giving the impression that renting through VRBO or any other advertising vehicle gives any validity to the rental. You don't rent THROUGH VRBO. VRBO is only a conduit to the owner, nothing more or less.
This is not to meant to pick on VRBO, a fine advertising agency, but it is simply that. Read the fine print and do your due diligence as you would when buying a car advertised in the paper.

keb0503

I think the apt. you chose looks great. You will love the location, on a quieter street but very close to great shops and restaurants. Make sure you visit the Bastille (Richard Lenoir) market Sun and Thurs. morning. It's the best and you'll find every food thing you could need.
I'm jealous, I miss Paris!