Renting a House in France for 1 Week With My Family

FAJ_2

Hi

Four generations of my family are getting together for a week in France in September. We have been corresponding with the owner of the property since May but only this week have they made us aware of the conditions of the 500 Euro breakages deposit. It has to be given in cash on arrival and will not be returned for two weeks after we have gone, and then by cheque in sterling.

Does anyone know if this is legal? It sounds very odd to me and I'm quite concerned that we could be held responsible for cleaning damages, or even the next hirers causing damage.

DD68

I don't know how it works in France, i used to rent out properties in Spain and i used to take a photo copy of a credit card from one of the holiday makers, ask them if they would accept that.

martyn4764

Hi

The 'pay in €cash and refund in £cheque sounds like someone's maybe paying a keyholder cash (presumably on the black)? Are the owners in residence, or do they live in the UK?

However, it's pretty normal to not repay straight away in case damages aren't immediately evident on changeover day.

lavidaloca

If you gave a cheque on arrival this could not be cashed in time before your departure and the cheque could be stopped. Most security deposits are given in cheque form a few weeks before the holiday date. The cheque is cashed and then refunded after the holiday is over. All quite normal. It is not possible on changeover day to check everything people are good at disguising breakages etc. Try the holiday rental site "Lay My Hat" and search security deposits this should tell you all you need to know.

FAJ_2

Thanks for the replies. The owners are insisting on cash on arrival and a cheque two weeks later. In my experience it's always been cash or credit card slip which is torn up in front of both parties when the property condition is agreed upon. I'll try Lay My Hat for additional info.

martyn4764

Hi

Small point; keep an eye on what exchange rate they use when they repay you...