Security Deposits

It is a lot of money. What is the total rent? What is the cancelation policy? I would ask a lot of questions. I always talk to the owner before I send any money. It's worth the telephone call.

The total rent was around 1250 Euros for 8 nights. I can ask the manager questions so I will ask her if they can reduce that amount. They already waived the required extra insurance. The cancellation policy is about the same as the other places we are renting, with refunds available depending on how much time it is before the rental.

I am renting an apartment in Paris next October that is listed on VRBO. I almost changed my mind when I received the rental contract which required a cashier's check for 400 euros for a security deposit upon our arrival. I am not talking about a rental deposit. I asked the landlord if he would be willing to use a credit card for the security deposit and he agreed. You are renting directly from the owner in most cases, and if they really want to rent to you they will be willing to work with you. Of course you have to be reasonable with what you are asking too.

1000 deposit for a 1250 rental, is excessive in my opinion. Are you willing to post the link? Maybe someone in the forum has stayed there. We paid a 10% deposit on our apartment in Paris last year. For this year's Venice rental, we paid 11% deposit. So much money up front makes me ask a lot of questions. At the top would be "Is this a legit rental?"

That seems like a disproportionately high deposit. We paid 180 euros deposit on our Paris B & B against total cost of 620 euros. That seemed reasonable. I spoke to the owner before entering into this agreement as the deposit was required to be paid into his nominated bank account. This transaction cost me bank fees of about $80 Aud. Charged at my end and also by the bank in Paris!!
Actually it was nice to touch base with the owner before arriving.