Everything French Travel Magazine November 2013 | Page 71

10 Tips For Renting An Apartment in Paris

Owner direct vs. rental agency

Make the choice that best suits you. Each
Renting an apartment in Paris gives you the option
offers
risks,
advantages
and
opportunity to experience the ‘real’ Paris and disadvantages. Check for reviews and
the chance to live like a local.
feedback on other people’s experiences of
Here’s our top 10 tips for making it work for booking an apartment with the owner/agency
you.and ensure you know any agency booking
fees that may be applicable in addition to the
Consider your timing
rental fees.
Consider high season versus low season – if
you are flexible, you’ll have more choice and Beware of scams
less expensive rental rates in low/mid season. Beware of the increasing numbers of scams,
Minimum night bookings – some owners will particularly if you’re using free classified
accept only 7 day bookings, others 4 nights, listings in your research. Don’t ever use
Western Union, or other types of money
so factor this into your planning.
transfer systems that can’t be linked to a
Rental periods – some owners/agents will personal/business account – this can often be
only accept bookings, for example, from an indication of a scam.Saturday to Saturday which is a challenge if
Instructions
you’re arriving on a Wednesday.Ask for and clarify instructions for getting to
Plan ahead
the apartment, instructions for apartment
Book as far in advance as possible to secure entry, instructions for using facilities such as
the best apartment for your needs for your the washing machine and who to contact if
intended dates within your budget.you have issues during your stay.
Be realistic
Live like a local
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.-

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

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.
Costs
Ensure you ask and know the full costs of renting
including security deposits or end of stay cleaning
fees.

71