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10 Tips For Renting An Apartment in Paris
Renting an apartment in Paris gives you the opportunity to experience the‘ real’ Paris and the chance to live like a local.
Here’ s our top 10 tips for making it work for you.-
Consider your timing
Consider high season vsersus low season – if you are flexible, you’ ll have more choice and less expensive rental rates in low / mid season.
Minimum night bookings – some owners will accept only 7 day bookings, others 4 nights, so factor this into your planning.
Rental periods – some owners / agents will only accept bookings, for example, from Saturday to Saturday which is a challenge if you’ re arriving on a Wednesday.-
Plan ahead
Book as far in advance as possible to secure the best apartment for your needs for your intended dates within your budget.-
Be realistic
Renting a 2 bedroom apartment in the Marais for $ AUD100 a night in June will not be possible. Do your research to understand the realistic costs and then consider what criteria are most important to you – e. g. location vs. price- Location, location, location
Yes, location is important but the more flexible you are, the easier it will be to source an apartment. If you set too many criteria you will make your search very difficult. Determine what’ s not negotiable for you( price, booking dates, size) and make that your starting point.-
Size does matter
If you have a budget. Do you really need a 2 bedroom apartment? Would a one bedroom be sufficient if it also included a sofa bed? The larger the apartment size, the bigger your budget will need to be.
Owner direct vs. rental agency
Make the choice that best suits you. Each option offers risks, advantages and disadvantages. Check for reviews and feedback on other people’ s experiences of booking an apartment with the owner / agency and ensure you know any agency booking fees that may be applicable in addition to the rental fees.
Beware of scams
Beware of the increasing numbers of scams, particularly if you’ re using free classified listings in your research. Don’ t ever use Western Union, or other types of money transfer systems that can’ t be linked to a personal / business account – this can often be an indication of a scam.-
Costs
Ensure you ask and know the full costs of renting including security deposits or end of stay cleaning fees.
Instructions
Ask for and clarify instructions for getting to the apartment, instructions for apartment entry, instructions for using facilities such as the washing machine and who to contact if you have issues during your stay.
Live like a local
Ask the owner / agency for their recommendations for dining and shopping( markets) and any other tips they can offer. Benefit from local and up-to-date knowledge.-
And most of all, enjoy! Bon Voyage Written by Getaway Guru www. getawayguru. com. au
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