Hi all

I just read my apartment rental agreement and notice my landlord requires that I hand over my passport in return for the key to the apartment. Is this common practice? Should I do it?

s

Is the landlord going to hold on to your passport until you return the key?

I absolutely wouldn't do that, and I haven't read of anyone else doing it. But even if they did, it's still a silly idea. What if you need your passport because you suddenly have to depart? Emergencies do happen.

swagman, I have never encountered a request like that and we've had about 20 rentals in France.

I agree with WillTravel; I wouldn't turn my passport over to someone in those circumstances.

Is this requirement in lieu of a damage deposit? If it is, you could offer a reasonable damage deposit in euros or by cheque. Not all landlords ask for a damage deposit but when they do, we have found they are typically in the €200 range.

Anselm

I have been to Paris twice in the last 9 months, both times I rented apartments (each different)neither time did I have a request for my passport or any passport information.

I have never seen this also. I guess the owner wants to ensure he gets the key, but I would not do it if I were you.

We've rented an apt in florence this summer through sleepinginflorence.com (which has a lot of positive reviews). the owner has requested that we have a photo copy of our passports when we arrive.

i assumed this was common practice.

When we stay at hotels in italy, they often ask for our passports and make photocopies of them at check in.

I've rented several apartments in Paris, from various people and sources. Never have I been asked to leavce my passport--nor would I.

I've never heard of such and I personally would absolutely NOT hand over my passport. What if there were an emergency or if the police would stop you on the street?
Sometimes I take day trips like to Brussels...so then what the heck would I do with no passport? Anyhow, I rented an apartment in Paris in March and had no problems whatsoever...vacationinparis.com. Happy Travels!

I've never encountered that request. What rental firm are you using? I would NOT hand it over, but would offer to provide a color copy, if they can justify their reason for asking. In fact it's almost silly in that it technically limits you to staying w/in France - what if you want to cross a border for a day - while not likely asked for your passport, you should have it with you. If their issue is about payment for the rental or a deposit fort the key (they can be quite expensive). Offer to handle that in a different way, perhaps full payment on the rental and a deposit when you arrive.

What exactly does it say?

Perhaps it's worded poorly and you're simply required to <i>show</i> your passport, not hand it over for the duration.