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.