|
Post by amy321 on Nov 2, 2007 23:07:06 GMT -5
.... but I need to ask it to quell my paranoia (hey, I'm a New Yorker!) I've never rented before and am just wondering what precautions one should take to make sure that an ad is legit but also to guard against any deceptive advertising. I'm seeing what appear to be some really nice apts on VRBO and I'm thinking, "wow, I hope that's for real." Have any of you ever heard of anyone renting an apt. and then discovering on arrival that the advertising photos were not a fair representation of the actual condition of the apt? I'm quite fussy about cleanliness and things being in good condition and working order and wouldn't want an unpleasant surprise.
My trip is in January... as long as AirFrance is flying!
|
|
|
Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Nov 2, 2007 23:42:56 GMT -5
I can relate to your concern - and to be honest, that's probably one reason I've stuck to using commercial agencies rather than VRBO, even when the ads seem attractive . . . . at least with an agency, you can get specific feedback and find out what their track record is.
I've heard a few horror stories, but who knows when you are just hearing urban legends, rather than something that's for real (and I suspect that most people do just fine with their rentals). Still, if you're uncomfortable why not start with an agency like Vacation in Paris (www.vacationinparis.com), used by many people on this forum with great results (same is true of some others that I know people will recommend because they have used the same ones many times).
Besides, Vacation in Paris is actually based in New Jersey, so not only can you call and talk to them about different properties, etc., but if (heaven forbid) you get really irate you can always show up on on their doorstep and berate them in person! Actually, I think Gitte started a checklist for renting an apartment, earlier in this thread, which you may find helpful if you have not seen it yet. Good luck, and relax!
Edit: One agency we have used several times is pricey compared to most of the others, but has some really great properties (we have rented Rose multiple times, as well as Arum and Tulip) and I would recommend with no hesitation whatsoever (among other things, they have a local Paris office that is staffed during the day, so if there ever were a problem you could just walk in and talk to them about it). Check out Guest Apartment Services (www.guestapartment.com) and see what you think.
|
|
toutou
Junior Member
Posts: 81
|
Post by toutou on Nov 3, 2007 3:20:40 GMT -5
When we rented our house out in France, we used VRBO, RentalsFrance and GreatRentals. Nearly ALL of our rentors came through VRBO.
Many would call us on the phone (from all over the world) to discuss our home. This made them feel more comfortable that we were legitimate people with an honest description of our rental property. We sent them very current photos and answered all types of questions.
Some folks communicated with us strictly via email and they were satisfied with the many emails we shared. Others asked for references, which we were happy to give. They would contact the previous rentors directly, so they could discuss whatever they like ... without the owner being involved.
Make sure you understand ALL of the rental contract and ALL of the security deposit rules. We only asked for a 150 euros security deposit upon arrival. We accepted this in the form of cash or personal check (in the equivalent currency amount). We held the check and gave it back to the rentor the day of check-out, after a brief walk through. We knew this was a bit of a risk as folks can simply put a stop payment on a check,... or write a check from a bank account that was closed years ago. We knew this and simply took the risk. Most people were honest about break this or that. We only had one problem family and we learned a lot from them.
Anyway, do your homework. We have rented several VRBO properties and many from other websites. Speak with the owners, ask for references and make sure you understand the rental contract.
If you want specific things in your rental (dishwasher, dryer, power shower - shower at all) be sure you ask those questions. If you hate the types of showers that have to be held by hand when you use them, make sure you ask about that. Make sure you ask if the photos on the website are current.
Best of luck.
|
|
|
Post by Darcy on Nov 3, 2007 8:03:42 GMT -5
I have rented three apts in Paris from VRBO in the last two years and never had a problem. If you're very, very concerned about it, maybe an apt rental is not for you.
|
|
|
Post by GitteK on Nov 3, 2007 8:17:40 GMT -5
I don't think Amy should be totally discouraged - because renting an apartment gives a whole new perspective to your vacation. Instead of just being another hotel guest, you can pretend that you actually LIVE in Paris, be it for a short while only. Listen to recommendations, in TripAdvisor and in this forum. Find something that appeals to you and start asking questions to see, if anyone knows about the agency you found. You can rely on agencies that get frequent positive reviews such as www.vacationinparis.comwww.parisaddress.comwww.perfectlyparis.comwww.apartment-in-france.com (Isabelle's Apartments) - and of course: www.rentalapartmentparis.com (although the owner of that one is said to be borderline hysterical about people eating crisps in his Louis XVI bed ....... ;D ;D ;D ;D) I have tried corresponding with Lodgis once. Their website is fantastic, but they were not very customerfriendly, when it came to giving precise and prompt answers, so I dropped them. Personally I don't think I would rent from vrbo, unless someone knew the apartment from previous renting - or if I could get a good, trusting stomach-feeling from corresponding with the owner directly. Saving maybe 200-300 $ on a trip that easily can cost you far over 3,000 $ is simply not worth the effort. Peace of mind is what matters in your planning.
|
|
|
Post by suzanne on Nov 3, 2007 11:00:53 GMT -5
I have used vacationinparis three times and have plans to do so again in January 08. I have communicated via e-mail and by phone with them. I prefer to pay with US dollars and by credit card so I will probably continue to use them.
|
|
|
Post by jcjflorida on Nov 3, 2007 11:04:02 GMT -5
Amy, I just got back from Paris and rented an apartment from VRBO and all went very well. I have rented from VRBO about 5 times and every time the apartment was exactly what I expected. I also rented from PerfectlyParis and that went well too. Your concern about fraud is valid though. I corresponded with one owner on CyberRentals (for a London apartment) and thought I had found the perfect place. And then I started to think that it sounded to good to be true....my intuition was correct - I got an email from CyberRentals telling me that they knew I had sent an inquiry about this particular apartment and that the person was a fraud and had been turned over to Scotland Yard! So, how did I know something was not quite right you ask? Well, the price was sooo much cheaper than the comparable properties. The owner only had a cell phone number. And oddly enough, he claimed to be British but his grammar in his correspondence was horrible and I used to do business with people in the UK and they always had impeccable grammar. I know that that is not a valid way to judge, but it just didn't seem right and as it turned out he was a fraud. TA had a good write up in the London forum ( at the beginning) about things to look for to avoid fraudulent apartment rentals and the info there really did help me. Every owner I have rented from has been honest and helpful and all have been clean. Also, this link has apartment reviews from people who have stayed in them: www.slowtrav.com/france/vr/list.asp?r=ParisI will gladly share more info about the 2 apartments in Paris that I have rented if you are interested. One was in Montmartre and the other in Le Marais. I highly recommend apartments over hotels.
|
|
|
Post by trechic on Nov 3, 2007 16:38:20 GMT -5
Hi Amy, I have used VRBO also with much satisfaction. On one occasion in Florence I dealt with a woman in the US who handled the rentals of several properties in Florence and in Rome. She was excellent to deal with. I dealt directly with the owners in Rome... and in the apartment I am in at the moment in Paris...I rented thru www.parisbestlodge.combut he also lists on VRBO. He was absolutely fabulous to deal with and I highly recommend him although not quite sure he could accomodate more than four people. Worth looking at his site though. He will answer your email inquiries in record time and is very fair and honest and his apartment is exactly as it was portrayed on his website (which is fabulous and gives you so much necessary information). Best of luck with your plans!
|
|
|
Post by amy321 on Nov 3, 2007 17:27:06 GMT -5
Merci for all of this input!
I've emailed the owner of the property and he has sent me the rental agreement. He seems very professional and nothing about our correspondences has seemed odd or unusual. The terms of the agreement seem reasonable, for example, he is flexible about cancellation: if we could not take our trip as planned and he is unable to rent the apartment, he would apply our payment to another booking for us on another date. The only thing I'm mildly concerned about is that the entire amount plus a security deposit of $500 has to be paid--by check or money order--60 days before our arrival. Of course, we would also be sending the signed contract at the same time, so if this person were going to run off with the $, we'd be able to take him to small claims court--we have his name and he has a U.S. address.....
|
|
|
Post by trechic on Nov 3, 2007 18:04:33 GMT -5
Have you checked to see if others have rented from him?? If he is running a reputable business, he won't be running off with your money! Tell us more about the agency or property you chose.
|
|
|
Post by amy321 on Nov 4, 2007 1:24:03 GMT -5
Trechic, He did send me some comments from others who've stayed there, but there was no contact info. He has listed the apartment on VRBO since 2003--which is a good sign, I think. What caught my eye is that the apartment looks absolutely immaculate and the owner seems determined to keep it that way. I love the hardwood floors. Here is the link: www.vrbo.com/21652With the Euro going up, up, up, I thought it would be better to rent from someone in the U.S. and lock in the price in $.
|
|
|
Post by GitteK on Nov 4, 2007 1:34:22 GMT -5
amy - if you pay for the apartment right away, then I can't see why it should matter if the euro is going up and the need to "lock the price in $" ?? On the contrary, in fact ?? Or is it I who am now asking the dumb question ?
|
|
|
Post by Jody on Nov 4, 2007 5:35:19 GMT -5
That apartment is lovely and I like the area. One thing though, he doesn't mention what floor it is on and if the building has an elevator. I'd hate to have to walk up several flights of stairs at the end of a long day.
|
|
|
Post by annettecinca on Nov 4, 2007 10:06:56 GMT -5
Yes, that apartment is gorgeous!
|
|
|
Post by susanb on Nov 9, 2007 0:12:31 GMT -5
I've been looking at some of the many apt. sights posted here and I found one that I really like. Alot of the apartments are in the 4E where I would like to be. The name of the agency is GuestApartment.com. Most of the apartments are really nice. I haven't contacted anyone yet as we are still firming up dates. Do take a look at this sight. Some of them are right on the river. Who could pass that up? Oh, has anyone else had dealings with this company? S
|
|
|
Post by annettecinca on Nov 9, 2007 1:31:53 GMT -5
Susan, I do believe Becky has rented with them several times and has been pleased. I'm sure she'll be on in the morning to fill you in. I have a couple of their apartments bookmarked for the future. They all have fabulous locations!
|
|
|
Post by trechic on Nov 9, 2007 8:18:10 GMT -5
Wow...those are two very nice looking websites with some fabulous looking properties!
|
|
|
Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Nov 9, 2007 9:01:04 GMT -5
Susan, I have rented from them several times (Rose, Arum and Tulip - at least three times in Rose). They are great to deal with, and I love their properties. Although their prices are on the high end, I think they give good value for what they charge. Which property are you thinking of?
|
|
|
Post by susanb on Nov 10, 2007 1:01:01 GMT -5
Becky, I've just begun looking and I have to corner my husband to firm up some dates. I'm thinking about Aug.24-Sept.6 or so. The ones I like and it is very difficult to narrow down is the Narcisse and the Rose. Do you know if the owners give discounts on rents if you stay 2 weeks? I will of course be looking at this site more. It is pricey but I was so excited when I saw the boat on the river I could go no further. You could almost feel your hand in the water! s
|
|
|
Post by susanb on Nov 10, 2007 1:51:12 GMT -5
Becky, I've got it narrowed down to four and it really is a difficult choice. I could stay in any, but they are in no paricular order: 1. Narcisse 2. Rose 3.Ortensia 4.Tulip s
|
|