Apartment Bookings - What you should look out for when making your apartment reservation.

While many apartments are available for rent through large travel companies or US or UK based lettings agencies with secure on-line bookings systems, many are available for rent directly from the property owners. Here we offer some tips on making your reservation safely and efficiently.

• Should you be asked to make a deposit in advance for the apartment, the better method is by credit card. That way you'll be insured against any losses should there be any unexptected problems. If sending cheques or wiring money, you will be expected to meet any bank charges arising.
  
  
• If entering credit card details on-line to make a booking for accommodation, make sure that a) the computer you use to connect to the internet has a firewall so no-one can "watch in" and b) that the reservations page is encrypted. Usually you can determine this by the padlock symbol at the bottom of your browser window or by the web page address beginning "https" instead of "http".






• The reservation method used by most apartment owners is a fax of your credit card information. This is a relatively safe method, as you will only be billed on failure to take up your accommodation booking, and the card issuer will be obliged to reimburse any funds should your card is used fraudulently. Always keep a copy of any fax sent as well as the confirmation slip. Should there then be any confusion, you'll have full documentation of what was agreed.



• When in doubt, phone the owner or rental agency for more information. Most apartment owners and agents in Madrid speak good English and will be glad to help you with all your questions.



• Always get a receipt in writing of any monies paid over to the agent or owner. This receipt should state clearly why you were charged (deposit, rent, cleaning, damages etc.)



• Should you have a disagreement with the landlord, try to find a solution there and then, before you leave. If the disagreement cannot be resolved satisfactorily, you should refer the matter to Madrid city council's consumer affairs department.