If the vast majority of short term vacation rentals in Paris are illegal, and renters are taking a chance when booking nearly any of them, we will have to compromise.

Many of us have accepted that the days of renting comfortable apartments in our favorite locations in Paris may very well be over.

You are wise to ask for a written guarantee of the return of your deposit. Please let us know what PP decides.

I saw nothing like what brubenow said that requires a snarky comment.

Where is thy guy who keeps saying 'cheap cheap cheap' ?
In Paris, it is now either legal and expensive, or illegal and cheap.

Some are still cheap and legal but you need proof.

So you don't think it is snarky to say (or imply) "if I'm paying a lot of money, I should get what I want even if it is illegal"? I sort of feel that the respect of the laws of the country that one is visiting has a certain importance.

I'll do that, Tuscanlifeefit, thank you.

Kerouac, there's really no need for that kind of response. You told me I hadn't bothered to check places like Citadines, and I told you I had, but that those properties for that price, did not fit my needs.

Of course I'm not suggesting that historic buildings be torn down.

I am suggesting that it would be nice if hotels in the city would allow 2 adults and 2 children in the same room. I am not able to find a hotel that allows that in a location I want, unless I book a 1 or 2 bedroom suite at an extreme price.

Which is why I've been looking at apartment rentals.

And in my previous post, I specifically said I didn't want anything illegal. So Kerouac saying that I'm not respecting the law of the country I'm visiting is ridiculous. Read my post again.

And thank you, Iris1745!

brubenow; What these Paris experts NEVER say is that companies like Airbnb are working with the city of Paris to correct a problem.

What they never say is that some years ago, all these 10's of thousands of apartments in Paris were legal and then the city of Paris a few years ago passed an ordinance that made them illegal.

What they never say is that many/most of these so called illegal apartments are rented bye Parisians.

They never tell the whole story, just what fits their scare tactics.

Our apartment in Paris last month in the Maris was apartments for rentals and local residents.

Never a problem, although I only saw one resident and it was just a pleasant smile and move on.

There are plenty of hotels with quad rooms. Perhaps not in the 7th where they will soak you for all you are worth.

Well then you can stay in those rooms. I'll stay in the 7th.

Bravo, brubenow.

Iris ...
The 10 of thousands of Paris were legal ...
In what sense ?
Did their owners pay taxes according to the rentals ?
I doubt.
Are all these owners Parisians ?
I don't know.
Are all these appartments fitted with what is required by law (sorinklers or whatever devices to prevent or alter in case of fire, stairs at the norms etc ?)
I'm not so sure.

In fact nobody really knows.
What I think is that the law is about income taxes, not residental tax of 1-2€ per night.
Once Airbnb will give their taxes, fiscal authorities will have the registers.
And they'll cross this with income tax declarations.

But it is ok for a lot of people to say that we are fearmongers.
Ok.
Yet, when authorities go and check they find a high proportion of flats not complying.
Strange.
But again Ok.
Denying that there is a risk and saying that people who say there is a risk is not real pertinent advice, or is it?
But ok, I don't own an appartment for rent, and I don't even rent one.
So of course my advice is suspicious.

That is so funny!!

I love it when people stay in the 7th. It ensures that I will never encounter them.

Does anyone know what the deal is with Paris Best Lodge? I have been trying to reach them by e-main for over two weeks and they have not answered. That is unlike them. We have been using them for years and recommend them often on this site. Are they still around? Have they been caught up in this crackdown?

Kerouac; I've seen you when you were in a better mood.

While I see hardly any ugly Frenchmen, that certainly is not an interesting comment.

Oh, so you don't think that visitors should stay in the 7th, iris?

I am extremely old and rarely venture from my 18th arrondissement. I must admit that only young visitors seems to stay here since the price and the atmosphere fit their budget.

Soory kerouac, you forgot the intent/meaning of your comment about the 7th!!

Obviously very old. Not me, as I am only 80.

The "intent" of my comment about the 7th? It has nothing to do with age. People can foolishly overspend at any age if they have the budget for it.

Let's say it is both good for the economy and also for keeping them out of areas that they would most likely fail to appreciate.

Your comment about the 7th, 'it insures that I will never meet them'. Your words.

It says a little about your anti American bias--yes??