Frequently Asked Questions

Renting with FHS

How do I book a property?
Just fill out the booking request form on this web site, or you can call us on the phone at 206.325.0132 or send an e-mail to info@francehomestyle.com. From then on, the ball is in our court. We’ll do the work for you.

Can you hold a property?
Yes, for 24 hours.

Are there fees and costs besides rent?
We make a point of giving clients all-inclusive prices for regular bookings, to keep the process as simple as possible. However, we do charge an additional $40 for Sunday arrivals, and $100 for arrivals on French holidays or after 8pm, since you are personally met at the apartment by one of our representatives. Any further exceptions will be discussed with you in advance.

What does the rate include?
It includes end of stay cleaning, linens, greeting, utilities, taxes and all fees.

Do rentals always start on a Saturday?
In Paris, no, you are free to arrive when you choose. And we can prorate extra nights above one week. Our weeks, by the way, have seven nights. In the country and mainly in high season, yes, Saturday arrivals, in most cases. There are exceptions and we do our best to direct you to the properties with more flexible owners to accommodate your needs.

What is your check-in/out-time?
Outside Paris, check-in time is 4 pm and the checkout at 10am. However, in the event that your property is not occupied the day you arrive, you are free to check in anytime. We will let you know if early check-in is possible.

In Paris our official check-in time is at 4 pm, and check-out is at 10 am. This gives our cleaners time to prepare the apartment between the departure of one party and the arrival of the next. We understand that you may arrive earlier or want to leave the apartment later. If the apartment is not booked when you arrive you will be able to check-in at any time. We’ll do our best to arrange a check-in time that is convenient for you. It is important that you give us your correct arrival time and keep us updated on this, so our representative can greet you.

How do we get the keys to the property?
Most often you will be met on-site by a France: Homestyle representative or by the owner who will show you the place and give you the keys.

Do you accept pets?
Unfortunately your companion will have to stay at home. In regards to the owner and to other clients, we do not allow pets in our apartments/properties.

Are your properties non-smoking?
Yes, but it is fine to smoke outside.

Do you have inexpensive rentals?
We have a full range of prices. We try to accommodate everyone’s budget, from poor students to millionaires. However, we are not the least expensive on the market because of the quality of our properties and the added value of our service.

Has someone from France: Homestyle seen the property I'm interested in?
All properties are inspected by a member of France: Homestyle’s team.

Would you stay there yourself?
Yes! As a matter of fact, we send our family members, friends, and—sometimes—ourselves! Of course, we haven’t been able to stay at all of the properties, but previous clients have. We rely on their feedback.

Why Rent with France: Homestyle and not Airbnb?

FHS has staff on hand in Paris at all times to come to your rescue if there is a leaking toilet or problem starting the internet, whereas you are more likely to be left to your own devices with Airbnb.
You’ll find less personal clutter in our properties which are specifically outfitted for vacation rentals and not otherwise occupied by their owners, as is the case with Airbnb.
Consistency of experience: our small dedicated staff manages 95% of our properties in Paris and knows each one inside and out. With Airbnb it’s a different person and different experience every time, so you never quite know what you’ll get.
Our rental process is far more personal: call or e-mail us directly for in-depth conversation with one our helpful consultants without having to navigate the irritating anonymity of Airbnb’s process.
We work with you to find just the right property based on your needs and desires: we won’t place you in an apartment that we know won’t suit you. With Airbnb you’ll be dealing with just the owner who has one objective: to get you to rent their property.
Our properties are carefully chosen and tended to, rather than the bazaar you’ll find on Airbnb. We choose our apartments for their central locations and amenities that we know will please discriminating guests. You’ll never be stranded in a bad neighborhood or far from the city center.

Booking Details

When and how much do we pay?
The reservation deposit is 50% of the rent, due when you make the reservation. The balance is due thirty days prior to occupation of the rental property, except for long term bookings or special arrangements. We take VISA, Master Card, American Express, Discovery, and personal checks in US dollars.

France: Homestyle will send you a signed Accommodation Agreement and specific information on how to gain access to the rental property.

How do we pay?
Payments by credit card can be made online through our secure website.
Please make checks out to France:Homestyle, Inc and mail them to our mailing address in Seattle.

Do you request a security deposit?
A refundable security deposit, compatible with the value of the property (typically $1000) is due prior to arrival by separate check. We won't deposit the check unless your party is responsible for damage to the property during your stay.

What is the security deposit used for?
The security deposit is used to reimburse owners in the unlikely event furniture, a mattress or other objects become damaged. This rarely occurs. Virtually all security deposits are left untouched or shredded within a week of your return.

Do you charge a cleaning fee?
The final cleaning fee is included in your rental price, we won't charge any extra. However mid-stay cleaning can be arranged at your own expense.

What is your cancellation policy?
We cannot refund the amounts paid (50% upon reservation, or the balance 30 days prior to arrival). Most of the money is sent to the owner immediately. We try hard to rent the same dates to another party, and then France: Homestyle can reimburse you, but we can't promise it will happen. We will ask the owners to apply the amounts they received for a cancelled reservation to future dates within a year, but there is no guarantee.

Do you recommend travel insurance?
We encourage our clients to buy Trip Cancellation Insurance. We recommend CSA, Travelex or TravelGuard travel insurances. Their websites will provide a quote online.

Please check your Home Owner or Renter Liability Insurance to make sure you are covered while staying in a property abroad.

If you are not already covered against damage caused to your rental property abroad, you may want to buy coverage from ADAR. For 3% of your rental fee you can obtain cancellation insurance as well as personal liability insurance. Go to their website for more details and to purchase the insurance from them directly.

After You Book

Can you reserve a taxi for our arrival/departure?
Yes, we'll be happy to make arrangements with a chauffeur. You can also contact PCS or MCP directly to make your reservation.

What do you need to bring ?
We provide hand soap, detergent for the kitchen and laundry, kleenex, two rolls of toilet paper per toilet, and paper towels. You are responsible for bringing your own toiletries.

Linens, towels and a hair dryer are available in each property.

Hair dryer is provided. If you need to bring small appliances such as razor you will need to bring an adaptor for the 220 volt current.

Kitchen are equipped with staples such as salt and pepper, sugar and coffee.

Can you provide a crib for infant?
Yes, we will but please make sure you bring your own linens for your little one.