Re Paris rental agencies - do you usually get your security deposit back?

We have stayed in apartments and houses booked with airbnb, vrbo, and homeway in Europe, the US, and the Caribbean. We have always had our security deposits and cleaning deposits returned very promptly - sometimes as soon as we leave the property. It has never been a problem. We will continue to book with all of these agencies and recommend them all.

I can't speak to airbnb but VRBO is not a rental agency, it is a listing agency. You rent from the individual owner and their policies differ. When I rented my apt in Paris the owner did not charge a cleaning fee (go figure) and returned the security deposit to me as I left the apt after he checked it out and took back the keys. If you're concerned, I would email the owner of any apts you're interested in and ask them what their policy is regarding return of cleaning dep and sec dep. The owner I dealt with was a dream, so easy to work with.

At this point there is quite an uproar over illegal rentals in Paris,laws that have been in place for years, but not enforced properly are being reviewed,as the vacant rate for apartments in Paris is very low due to many people renting out their places via vrbo for short term, apparently not legal. Neighbors in the buildings are complaining of strangers coming and going, making noise etc. When neighbors complain the city is taking actions now. I would proceed carefully.
I have eentl for this summer with a company I have used before ,I inquired if I would have a problem and they said no as they have on fact paid for the correct commercial licences.

I have rented many times through VRBO, a couple of times through Homeaway (you actually rent from individual owners) and for my upcoming trip I have used Airbnb for a couple of places. I choose not to rent from people who charge extra for cleaning. The cost of that is built into the price and with one exception have always found places clean when I arrive. I think the security deposit is to cover any damage you may cause. I haven't paid one until an upcoming rental in the Loire. Other times they have my credit card number, but I've never been charged.

If you are planning a 6 week trip to Paris this September/October you'd better book ASAP. That is a popular time there. I've had my October rental in Paris booked for months, as the apartment was filling up fast. You might want to consider two 3 week rentals or three 2 week rentals if you have trouble finding a place with a 6 week availability. That way you could explore different neighborhoods.

We've rented two apts from a French agency in Paris and both times we got our deposit back in cash when we left the apt.

Thanks, all, for the info. And, yes, Andrea, I do hope I haven't waited too late! It's been a very long time since I've been there; I'm a bit rusty on planning, I'm afraid. Fortunately, I don't absolutely have to stay in Paris; so even if it's out, I can find something somewhere . . .

I have rented 65 times, most of these internationally and many of them in Paris. I have never once not had my security deposit returned timely. You do need to do your homework especially on something like VRBO which is really just a fancy Craigs list. If things go wrong you are on your own with the landlord and if a landlord decides to steal your deposit you are pretty much out of luck so it is important to do due diligence before you hand over the money. I use agencies I trust when I can but have also done fine with VRBO several times --

Glad to see you got some good feedback. I'm trying not to be jealous of your 6 weeks in Paris.