Have I made a mistake in my apartment choice in Paris?
 

I am renting an apartment in Paris for one week in September, which I have done several times before. I have a feeling I may have erred this time in choosing apartment by vrbo with no reviews. It has only been on the rental market for 6 months, but would have expected some reviews by now. Has anyone stayed here or have recommendations on the neighborhood? Thanks!

http://www.vrbo.com/670590#reviews
"Comfortable, Quiet, &Bright in Haut Marais"

The management's other listings have what seem like good reviews, although I didn't read them all.

http://www.vrbo.com/my/e7f44754-ddab...e-france/paris

I would do it. It looks nice, sounds nice.

How about a easy to cancel hotel reservation if you feel you need back up?

But you know that renting always has some chances, and this doesn't seem like too big a gamble to me.

Nothing you can do about it now, but if that's the only reason you are concerned, I wouldn't be. Time will tell. YOu liked the place and location and rent, and so your only concern is no reviews, I guess. I've only rented one several times in Paris, but none of them had public reviews anywhere, I think that is not the norm (to have lots of reviews you can read). I didn't rent from VRBO, though.

Did you ask the owner why no reviews? It looks okay to me, I didn't realize apts were getting that expensive in Paris for that size and location, but maybe I'm not current.

I'm surprised you chose the neighborhood if you didn't know it, but it's fine, so don't worry about that. It's a good location, convenient enough and lots of shops nearby for your needs.

It is on the second (US 3rd) floor.

It doesn't mention a lift. Can you carry yourself and your luggage and groceries and drink up three floors? What do the stairs look like? Open and broad or twisting and shallow?

It may be in the "Haut Marais" but it could just as well be called "Bas Republique". That's just advertisingese. It's an interesting enough neighborhood, and there is life there, unlike Beaubourg.

These places often change listing services. The reviews from one service may not transfer to another. Not an issue.

I like the Marais area, I just have rented before in the south Marais area close to the St Paul metro stop. The apartment has an elevator. And I can cancel up to 60 days in advance with full refund. That time is coming up soon. The manager told me there were no reviews because it is new on the market, however that was a few months ago and it looks like it has had many bookings over the past 6 months.

Just to be sure - are you are aware of the Mayor's crackdown on rental properties, which will continue through the Summer? This area and Montmartre are the next to be targeted in the sting operation. Anyone listing rentals on the internet is being investigated - especially owners/managers with multiple property listings - and you risk a last-minute cancellation.

If you're OK with that, I would just suggest checking out the owner's credentials through any and all social media, review sites etc - to see what you can find out about how he handles his other rentals. Also a good idea to get the exact address and do a Google Street View tour of the building and neighborhood. There are businesses on the ground floors in most of these buildings, and you might not want to be above some of them.

I doubt very many people review rentals, maybe 1 per 15 times? So I would not worry about it.

Personally, I worry more when I have paid a deposit and get no response to emails about arranging meeting up times until just a few days before arrival. Happened to me last year in France, happening now for rental in Rome.

It does mention an elevator; just read down. I always look as a third floor walkup would be a deal breaker for me.

I have not done reviews of some great apartments, just got busy and didn't get around to it, and have felt bad about it when the time passed for doing it.

So, trust your judgement and the response you get from the owner/manager.

Tuscan, I looked at reviews of his other listings and that made me more comfortable. Manouche, I did a street level Google and all looks good. I've read about the crackdown on rental properties, but am willing to take my chances as far as that is concerned. Thanks for feedback!

In the US, the 2nd floor is up one flight of stairs. So the way I see it this would be up two flights (up one flight to the first floor, up another to the second floor), not three. But there's an elevator so you're OK.

I always look as a third floor walkup would be a deal breaker for me.

Yes, we should all look for this kind of things. I don't often rent appartments, but I do read all of the available info when I do.

Perso, being slightly claustrophobic and (slightly) overweight but (still relatively) young, I always take the stairs, to the amusement of some clerks at hotels...

I even gave a very bad review for one hotel (in Koeln) where the stairs were impracticable on the way up (blocked by locked doors, opening only from the inside).

Nice to read from you, Nuke !

If you're willing to roll the dice - and hopefully some of the people staying before you do will review the place - then I don't see any problems with this apt other than what I mentioned previously.

Sometimes it's actually a good idea to break in a new hotel or one that's been renovated. A new apartment can be a good thing as long as the owner and manager have their act together with other properties. I would never rent from a "newbie", though.

The only thing nagging at me is this - a large part of the crackdown is due to unhappy residents. If this building is not used to having people come and go - which might well be the case, since the apt has recently been renovated and presumably changed hands - you might not feel welcome here, or worse, someone might contact the Mayor's task force. Of course, you won't be thrown out into the street, but the possibility of a cancellation does exist.

But since you've been here before, you would know what to do about finding another place to stay.

Very helpful comments. Another concern, especially due to the apartment crackdown in Paris, is that the manager wants the rest of the full payment 60 days prior to rental (I've already paid half). I've only had to this once before in San Quirico Italy, when I was dealing directly with an owner who had extensive positive reviews, and at which point he mailed me a key. All other times, I paid the balance on arrival. I would feel more comfortable handing over the balance when someone meets me to let me in, and I see I really have this apartment to stay in. Any thoughts?

That does not sound good. And a bit abusive, for goodness' sake. I hope you can figure out a plan you are comfortable with.

After all the hacks on some of these sites it would make anyone nervous

The risk is totally unbalanced and surly the owner should see it.
Did you ask him/her if they are ok with the legislation ? there is an official site somewhere (Sarastro found it) where owner can declare themselves but hardly nobody does it.
You could tell him/her you might pay if they prove that they are completely conforming to legislation.
... but even so I'd go for a plan B, you're right, it is not good... I've only paid one thing fully in advance (a piece of furniture) and guess what : that's when I had the most problems...

Don't forget about the 750€ security deposit the owner requires.

Owners are supposed to apply for a vacation (short term) rental permit at the appropriate Marie corresponding to the apartment's location. Owners are also supposed to collect the taxe de séjour for each night that an apartment is occupied.

If your owner can show you a copy of his permit and he is asking for the taxe de séjour corresponding to the number of nights you are staying; then he is operating legitimately and his asking for the entire rent in advance is probably as safe as it could be. However, if your owner demands full payment well in advance without proof that he is operating within the law, I would be very cautious about sending more money.

The apartment looks very comfy, and has AC, free wifi and international phone calls.

Is that a typical amount for the deposit? Seems high.

I would never agree to pay in full in advance. Is this common? Seems risky to me.

Lots of places do demand full payment in installments - half down at the time of booking, then one or two payments until the full balance is paid, usually 30 days before arrival.

I've never liked doing this, for obvious reasons, and only paid in full in advance several years ago, when dealing with actual owners with whom we had built up a trust through numerous phone calls, emails, photos, etc. That 750 damage deposit is probably because everything is brand new - but if the owner is that picky about keeping things in this condition, there is no guarantee that you would get the deposit back. Since the apartment explosion, you don't know who you're dealing with anymore.

If you're not comfortable paying the full amount in advance, you can ask for other arrangements, but the owner/manager probably has other people on the string - or will say that he does, to pressure you.

If something feels "not right", it usually isn't. I'd move on, if you aren't 100% sure about this place. There are plenty more to choose from, even though you're still taking your chances with the crackdown.

Some credit cards provide cancellation insurance even if you haven't used the card to book the lodging. You may want to check yours. In any case it may be a good idea to have trip insurance. I like (and have absolutely no connection to other than satisfied customer) www.tripinsurancestore.com

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

That business of paying the full fee before arrival has always made me uneasy. We have done it on several occasions in Paris, but I always am in doubt until I actually see the property. We usually use Airbnb (not in Paris anymore until the legality issue becomes clearer) because Airbnb holds the money until 24 hours after arrival. If the apartment is not there at least you get your money back.

VERY nice to see your smiling face online again, Pariswat! Sorry we could not connect in May so I could have bought you a drink.

750 security deposit.. that's way too high to me!

I agree justineparis. When the security deposit reaches nearly 65% of the weekly rental rate, it's too high IMO. If this was a luxury unit, I might feel differently, but it isn't. For a 1 bedroom, one bath mid range quality unit, I would look elsewhere. Too much money to risk not getting back.

I caved. I couldn't find a place in that general area that I liked better. I saw that homeaway had $1000 insurance against fraudulent rentals. I saw that I could purchase insurance through them that would cover last minute cancellations as well as deposit insurance. And I looked up recent reviews from May and June of his other properties and all were complimentary of the apartments and the meet and greet on arrival. Hard to imagine as a single 60 yr old traveler that I can do much to lose out on deposit. So, I'm going to pay the remaining prepayment through paypal and hope for the best. I'll let y'all know how it goes.

Good luck !
Risk is small, and if you like it, you're right.
And it goes only about money.
Don't lose sleep over it, I'm sure you'll have great holiday !

Now that I've settled with this, I'm moving on to the fun decisions like choosing wonderful restaurants and finding things to do off the beaten path. I've been to Paris many times, but this is my first solo trip. Very excited to wander around, visit small museums, and do things at whatever pace I choose! Thanks for all the words of advice.