Today sees the launch of the Getaway Guru free guide on How to Rent an Apartment in Paris.

Renting an apartment in Paris gives you the opportunity to experience the real Paris and live like a local. This invaluable guide gives you the why, when, where, what, and how of renting an apartment in Paris and some key tips to finding and booking the right apartment for you.

Click here to download your free guide today.

You can also purchase the premium version of the guide which, in addition to all the content from the free guide, provides links to more than 700 Australian owned or Australian managed apartments in Paris, making it so much easier for you to find the perfect Paris apartment for your next trip.

Click here for more information on the Premium guide.

Bon voyage.

Photo from iStock

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.
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1. Consider your timing
   Consider high season vs. 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 night, so factor this into your planning; and
   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
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2. Plan ahead – Book as far in advance as possible to secure the best apartment for your needs for your intended dates within your budget
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3. 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
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4. 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 instead
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5. 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
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6. 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
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7. 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
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8. Costs – ensure you ask and know the full costs of renting including security deposits or end of stay cleaning fees
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9. 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
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10. 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.
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And most of all, enjoy.

Bon Voyage