Should I be worried? Paris rental...

This would send a bunch of red flags for me. We just rented a place through Homeaway.com and while I sent a deposit (through Paypal), I didn't have to send passport of credit card scoop. And the remaining $$ I pay when i get there (not a month before). I've rented through VRBO and Air BnB and NEVER have I had to pay everything a month in advance. The damage deposit also concerns me.

OK, good to know. I'm about ready to just get a hotel and forget it. It just seems like a lot could go wrong with these rentals. Ugh.

Hi, Emily How many people in your party? Here's a wonderful one bedroom in the area you described. Vacation in Paris is very reputable. They are an American company. You pay in advance with your credit card. They will send you the key before you leave the US. You'll get directions on how to get to the apartment and there is a local contact person.
http://vacationinparis.com/apts/id_28.htm Don't give up on an apartment. It will be more fun than a hotel. There is a farmer's market nearby plus bakeries, patiesseries, and chocolate shops. And there a metro stop. Good luck.

Emily, if you want an apartment in Paris without the onerous rental conditions, try VacationsInParis. At least when we rented from them several years ago, it was not much different from renting a hotel room, except that we did have to pay in advance, with credit card. That is actually the norm with apartments, in my experience. There was no upfront damage deposit but they had a credit card authorization in case we did cause damage, which of course we did to. You should be able to find lots of good reviews as they are a well-known and reliable company based in the US.

We've rented several times from a French agency (Lodgis) and have had to fax a copy of the passport and the credit card numbers. There is nothing unusual about that if you are dealing with a French company. That's not really a red flag as it's required by the French. We also pay a damage deposit upon arrival which we've always had returned, so that's not a red flag either. On the other hand, we always pay a deposit and insurance but have never paid the balance a month out. That to me would be a deal-breaker when using a agency without independent reviews on line or one that is continually recommended on this Helpline, like vacationinparis. If the apartment isn't what was advertised, you are out the money. We've always paid the balance upon arrival. Without references (reviews) from an independent website and the request for full payment, I'd hesitate. Perhaps, some people who have used this agency will come along and give some good reviews to you.

I am using Vacations in Paris for our trip this summer. I am new to this as well (first trip abroad), but have seen great reviews about this company so I took the plunge....what I liked was the fact that they are US based (800 number to call and ask questions) and only required a deposit to book (through PayPal)with the balance due 60 days prior to arrival (which I liken to a cruise deposit/payment). As Chun said, they have a refundable damage deposit (mine was $150---very reasonable I think) and while many are able to get the keys ahead of time....we are not able to get ours until we arrive---the owner will meet us, explain everything about the apartment and hand over the keys...I like this because then I can ask any questions or point out any possible damage/issues before they leave. The folks on this site have been amazing! They are full of helpful hints that only experienced travelers have.....best of luck to you, whatever you decide! Cici

Emily I have used Parisbestlodge to rent with , and they were great to deal with , they got so many good reviews on ta that I contacted several of the posters I knew had been on the boards for years and they all reassured me about the company. I loved the small deposit ( post dated cheque in my funds) and the pay after you arrive ( no nasty surprises and my money not tied up 6 months or more in advance) . That said, I don't actually think renting an apartment is "more fun",, it may be for those who like cooking, making their beds,washing their towels, and shopping in markets. I could care less about those things on vacation. At this point your choices are going to be quite narrowed down.. june obviously is super popular and many well known , well priced places get snapped up year after year, so get cracking, lol Best wishes whichever route you go, apartments definately have advantages, but you MUST be more vigilant and do more homework.. and read between lines. Assume nothing. If it doesn't say there is an elevator, then don't count on it.etc.. Also one thing it is easier to get a/c in a hotel under 120 euros a night then with an apartment, although the apartment we rented did have ac this past summer ( and thank goodness for it, it was so hot!)

I ended up going through Air BnB since I really liked the idea of the site handling the money. They offer a safeguard against contacting the companies off the site. I booked a place that had a lot of older and newer reviews, so it seems consistent and their price and fees seemed way more agreeable. Emily