Homeaway Rentals
Jan 18th, 2015, 02:38 PM
#21
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I just did mine in Dublin. I would imagine there might be some apartments for sale now in Paris. I found some reviews on the apartment I just rented. I felt good about it but went back and investigated more. 
Jan 18th, 2015, 02:57 PM
#22
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<<agencies that may provide some sense of security (though the worse place I've ever rented was through an agency).>>
yeah, but the OP was concerned about the place not existing or that the owners would scam her somehow, as I understand it, not the quality of the place, so that's a completely different issue. Whether you like a place or not wouldn't have anything to do with whether it is an agency or not, it seems, to me. You can usually find some reviews of an agency, or they are registered with the city, so it would be harder for an entire agency to not exist who had an internet website. It is easy for someone to post a bogus apt on a place like VRBO.
There are zillions of places out there to rent, if you don't feel comfortable with a place due to no reviews, go elsewhere.
yeah, but the OP was concerned about the place not existing or that the owners would scam her somehow, as I understand it, not the quality of the place, so that's a completely different issue. Whether you like a place or not wouldn't have anything to do with whether it is an agency or not, it seems, to me. You can usually find some reviews of an agency, or they are registered with the city, so it would be harder for an entire agency to not exist who had an internet website. It is easy for someone to post a bogus apt on a place like VRBO.
There are zillions of places out there to rent, if you don't feel comfortable with a place due to no reviews, go elsewhere.
Jan 19th, 2015, 01:26 AM
#23
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The benefit of renting through an agency is that - if your rental becomes unavailable - they could probably re-locate you to another one of their properties. However, there is no guarantee that it would have the amenities you chose and paid for (elevator, a/c, sleeping arrangements), or would be in an area of Paris that you would be comfortable staying in.
However, the Mayor's task force is targeting agencies and individuals with high-profile internet presence and multiple listings. You have no guarantee if or when an agency or an individual will come under scrutiny.
If you rent from an individual - and the rental is cancelled - you would receive a refund, but nobody would be responsible for helping you find a place to stay.
There are people who manage to find rentals, but at this point, things have become much more difficult and even risky - especially if you are travelling with your family.
If the apartment is sold, there can be a last-minute cancellation, and the new owner is under no obligation to honor your rental contract - though you should receive a refund. If you receive notification that the apartment has been sold but your reservation is still valid, you should confirm your contract with the new owner, and also ask if there will be any construction or repairs on-going during your stay.
If the owner is contacted by the Mayor's office or the coop board of the building forbids him to rent, all reservations must be cancelled - there is no notice and no grace period. You would receive a refund, but would have to find another place to stay.
It is not wise to depend on other peoples' past experiences, given the current situation in Paris. There are approximately 30,000 known rentals listed on the internet - only approximately 2% of them are legal rentals.
However, the Mayor's task force is targeting agencies and individuals with high-profile internet presence and multiple listings. You have no guarantee if or when an agency or an individual will come under scrutiny.
If you rent from an individual - and the rental is cancelled - you would receive a refund, but nobody would be responsible for helping you find a place to stay.
There are people who manage to find rentals, but at this point, things have become much more difficult and even risky - especially if you are travelling with your family.
If the apartment is sold, there can be a last-minute cancellation, and the new owner is under no obligation to honor your rental contract - though you should receive a refund. If you receive notification that the apartment has been sold but your reservation is still valid, you should confirm your contract with the new owner, and also ask if there will be any construction or repairs on-going during your stay.
If the owner is contacted by the Mayor's office or the coop board of the building forbids him to rent, all reservations must be cancelled - there is no notice and no grace period. You would receive a refund, but would have to find another place to stay.
It is not wise to depend on other peoples' past experiences, given the current situation in Paris. There are approximately 30,000 known rentals listed on the internet - only approximately 2% of them are legal rentals.
Jan 19th, 2015, 01:41 AM
#24
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As far as bogus listings and scams go -
AirBnB is the worst site to consider. Since it's free, like Craig's List, anyone can advertise anything - whether or not they have the legal right to offer the property for rent. There is no way to check that the information about the property is correct, either.
VRBO, HomeAway, FlipKey etc are slightly more secure, since people must pay to list property. However, reviews may be submitted by the owner, and there is no guarantee that they were written by actual clients.
All of these sites are not secured, and are easy to hack. It is relatively simple to change the payment and contact information and have the funds diverted to someone else's account. Often, the owner is not aware this has happened - until he is contacted by an irate client who shows up and has no place to stay.
At this point, the listing companies will do nothing, and assume no responsibility - all they provide is paid advertising. Both the person listing the property as well as the person wishing to stay there have lost money.
AirBnB is the worst site to consider. Since it's free, like Craig's List, anyone can advertise anything - whether or not they have the legal right to offer the property for rent. There is no way to check that the information about the property is correct, either.
VRBO, HomeAway, FlipKey etc are slightly more secure, since people must pay to list property. However, reviews may be submitted by the owner, and there is no guarantee that they were written by actual clients.
All of these sites are not secured, and are easy to hack. It is relatively simple to change the payment and contact information and have the funds diverted to someone else's account. Often, the owner is not aware this has happened - until he is contacted by an irate client who shows up and has no place to stay.
At this point, the listing companies will do nothing, and assume no responsibility - all they provide is paid advertising. Both the person listing the property as well as the person wishing to stay there have lost money.
Jan 19th, 2015, 09:50 PM
#26
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Onefinestay works differently; you cannot list your own flat. They list it for you after a visit, extensive questionnaires, professional photography. They check if there is wifi and if the TV and other appliances are working. They make sure the gas safety certificate is up-to-date and renewed every year (I always wonder how Airbnb deals with this, as it's mandatory for letting a flat).
As a guest, you deal with Onefinestay, and your contract is with them. If a flat is unavailable due to an emergency (ie boiler broke, flooding), they will organise another flat.
There are no reviews. On every listing you will see 'home truths'; they note issues you may have with the flat or house.
This is just to illustrate that not all rental agencies work in the same way - obviously there is a difference in price between Airbnb and Onefinestay.
As a guest, you deal with Onefinestay, and your contract is with them. If a flat is unavailable due to an emergency (ie boiler broke, flooding), they will organise another flat.
There are no reviews. On every listing you will see 'home truths'; they note issues you may have with the flat or house.
This is just to illustrate that not all rental agencies work in the same way - obviously there is a difference in price between Airbnb and Onefinestay.
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