On other home exchange websites, you have to pay in order to list your home. At Paris-Sharing, you have nothing to pay until you actually agree on an exchange with a member. The final cost will depend on your subscription option and the rental value of the home in which you will be a guest. In almost all cases, the cost represents less than 10% what you would have paid for a vacation rental or a hotel. For a more detailed explanation, see our prices.

In all ParisSharing apartments, unless otherwise indicated, are included these services and benefits :

- towels and linens

- free internet and telephone (to most countries)

- normal use of utilities (electricity, gas, water)

- initial supply of necessities (at very minimum: toilette paper, hand soap). For apartments that are also homes, there is usually much more than this, of course.

When renting an apartment or reserving a B&B on Paris-Sharing, what you see is what you get. The prices shown on the website are as straight-forward as we can make them. For example, we don't make you pay more for Christmas or New Year's or summer holidays. The reason we don't make you pay more is because these things don't really generate more costs, so we don't see any decent reason to hike up the price. We also don't make you pay for all the things you would normally expect to use in a home, such as utilities, towels, linens, local telephone, and wi-fi.

On the other hand, there are some things that do increase our operating costs and therefore affect your final price :

1. If you stay less than three nights in an apartment, the price per night is higher. It will be automatically adjusted, so you will see the real price before paying. On the other hand, if you stay at least 7 nights, your price per night is lowered.

2. The prices are based on use of the permanent beds available, called the normal sleeping capacity. Most apartments provide additional sleeping capacity with pull-out beds in the living room. The total number of persons who can sleep in the apartment is referred to as the maximum capacity. Since the use of extra sleeping space generates extra costs in terms of preparation and cleaning, we will charge an additional 10% of the price per night  for each additional person. The price per person remains a real bargain on Paris-Sharing compared to a hotel.

3. If you do not carry insurance for damages you may cause to someone else's property, French law requires that you contract such insurance for at least the length of your stay. We offer a package on our website that includes renter liability and cancellation for 3% the total amount of your stay (which is no more than what it costs us to offer it).

You can pay online for your entire stay, including additional services, using any major credit card or Paypal. You can also opt to wire funds, but your reservation will not be effective until the funds are received. If you choose this option, you will still need to provide credit card details to make your reservation online, even though your card will not be debited.

You may cancel your reservation and get your money back in part or in full provided you pay the full amount of your stay at the time of booking using Visa/Mastercard or bank wire. The amount you'll be reimbursed depends on how long before your scheduled arrival you cancel :

• Cancellation more than 30 days before your arrival:  100% reimbursed (minus any applicable bank fees, no greater than 3%)
• Cancellation less than 30 days before your arrival: 75% reimbursed, or 50% if the reservation was made less than 30 days before your arrival

If you choose to make a partial payment of 30% at the time of booking instead of paying the entire amount, half this amount will be refunded if you cancel more than 30 days before arrival, and no refund will be given if you cancel less than 30 days before the scheduled start of your stay.

We also provide special cancellation insurance at a minimal cost that applies to cancellations for reasons beyond your will (cas de force majeur).

First, find an accommodation that you like and verify that it offers the type of stay you are looking for (rental, exchange, B&B).

Follow the instructions to reserve. The owner will answer you as soon as possible (48 hrs max) to confirm availability.

If the accommodation is available, you will be asked to confirm your reservation with an online advanced payment.  If you are requesting a home exchange, you will be asked to pay your subscription fee. You will also be able to add on additional services at that time.

Before your arrival, you will be asked to authorize a security deposit and pay the remaining amount (except for home exchanges).

Everything is managed for you through the website : you won't have to pay anything directly to the owner.

You will be welcomed at the home or at a designated place nearby, either by the owner or a Paris Sharing representative.

A security deposit is a sum that is reserved for the owner to compensate for any damages you may cause to his/her accommodation. Many owners are opening their very own homes to you, so it is important that they have some form of protection. Our website is one of very few that allows you not to have to make such a deposit in cash or by wiring funds.

When you reserve an accommodation, we will only ask you to authorize a debit for the amount of the security deposit. We will not actually debit your credit card. When you leave the premises in good condition, the authorization will be dropped.

The amount of the security deposit for which we require authorization is equal to four times the nightly rental price, with a minimum of 500€..

For more information about the terms on which a security deposit may be used, please see our Terms and Conditions.

Real homes on Paris-Sharing.com offer considerably more space than you will find in the typical hotel room often at a reduced cost. Now, families can vacation together and still have "room to breath." Invite friends and make yourself at home.

Private homes offer excellent flexibility. Unlike a typical hotel room, they always include kitchen facilities. You don't have to eat out for every meal (but of course you can if you want to). They also often contain many personal & convenience items for your enjoyment.

Paris-Sharing homes are used frequently by their owners (either primpary or secondary homes) and as such, they are not like the typical "sterile" environment found in hotels and other "vacation establishments". No one gives a property more attention than its owner!

Homeowners are often able to provide you with tips and hints that only the locals know. This can make a huge difference in the enjoyment of your trip.

A real Paris apartment allows you experience Paris as a native rather than just another tourist.

Our policy is to guarantee you the best value for your money. If you find a better offer within 30 days following your reservation, we will reimburse you the difference.

What are Paris-Shares?

Each time you stay in a Paris-Sharing home, you earn points that allow you to offer someone else (or yourself) a discount on a future stay. The discount will a apply to any Paris-Sharing apartment. To offer the gift to someone else, simply ask them to join Paris-Sharing.com and enter your email address when they are asked to identify their sponsor. If you invite numerous people to benefit from your gift points, the first to reserve an accommodation will receive the discount. You as a sponsor will also receive 5 Paris-Shares for each new reservation made thanks to you.

How do I earn Paris-Shares and how much are they worth?

Each Paris-Sharing gift point is worth the equivalent of one euro. The number of Paris-Shares you earn depends on the length of your stay. You earn 5 shares per day, with a maximum of 25 shares per stay.

How do I claim my Paris-Shares?

All you have to do is log on to your account, complete the evaluation form concerning your stay and write a brief review in the space provided about what you enjoyed about the your Paris-Sharing experience.

We provide as many photos as possible, of all rooms and the surroundings, so that there are no surprises. If our ample descriptions leave you in doubt, you can write us and we'll promptly reply.

Whenever you rent directly by owner, there is a risk of fraud. ParisSharing serves as a trusted third party, full-licensed and guaranteed, with a global internet reputation to maintain. Your trust is vital to our business.

Your online payment is processed by a secure thrird-party banking system (CIC-CM). You credit card details are never visible, and only the amount you specified can be debited. Regarding the security deposit, we do not debit any of the amount unless there are damages to the apartment.

When you confirm your booking, you'll receive the exact address along with a welcome kit including all the useful informtion you will need. Upon arrival, someone will always be there to meet you, hand you the keys, and show you around.

Our welcome crew speaks English and will always be there for you in case. Even with no problem, perhaps you'd like an extra concierge service? We offer that as well.

This facililty is available in almost all ParisSharing apartments at NO EXTRA CHARGE. Verify before booking.