Apartment Deposit

Yes. It was the same deal. I think the check is meant as "insurance." The check was returned to me when I arrived and paid the bill. This is a better deal than having to pay the entire rental up-front. VRBO owners seem to operate somewhat independently within the VRBO structure. I trust them.

I know a couple of people who did this. It's not real common but not unusual either. Personally I think it's a good way to do things.

Andrea they carry more risk doing it that way then you do!! I have used a personal check as a deposit. post dated till arrival.. and they ripped it up when I arrived, this was with another agency . I was very happy to do it this way.. way easier for me.. and as I said the risk is on them( what if you don't show up and cancel and cheque bounces?) If owner/apartment has good reviews you have no reason to worry..

We paid a deposit for a B&B in France by personal check mailed to the owner. When we left we paid the whole price in euros and she gave us back the check. We had written the check in dollars based on the then-current exchange rate. If we hadn't shown up I guess she would have taken it to her bank to get some payment for her trouble. But, as Pat noted, this arrangement is more convenient for you, and less for the owner, than credit card or wire transfer (the worst), or Paypal.

Thanks for your replies. I sent the owner a new message to get the details worked out and saw the dates (in October) have been blocked off. I'm hoping he blocked those days out for me!

I heard back from the landlord and he had indeed blocked the days off for me. Phew! Now I just need to write the check and take it to the post office.

When people ask where to stay in paris I often to stay in the 4th, 5th & 6th. This trip I'm changing it up and staying in the 12th. It's time to explore a new area.