Les Temporis de Caen

There’s a big gap between what the video call showed before booking and the apartment we actually got. We had to clean it ourselves on arrival, and the manager couldn’t do a proper inventory. She doesn’t listen and can quote one price, then ask for another later. For example, she wanted us to pay twice for the television. She also enters the apartment without telling the tenant. The rent receipts she sends have errors, such as the wrong name or month, which delays the CAF application. She avoided the move-out inspection that had been scheduled by email, claiming a scheduling conflict, then turned up at our son’s apartment and told him it was happening then. After the inspection, she demanded immediate payment of a different amount from the one we’d agreed. She hasn’t responded despite our repeated attempts to contact her. Avoid at all costs. I found the manager incompetent and dishonest. This is a hotel lease agreement. If you’re a student and leave because an end-of-year internship takes you to another region, the manager is entitled to charge a retroactive surcharge on any outstanding rent, with the amount determined by the manager. Mini-ovens and microwaves aren’t permitted, or a surcharge will apply, even though they don’t significantly affect electricity consumption.

Parking was easy on the property, and getting into town was convenient: about 10 minutes by car, or a five-minute walk to a bus. There’s also a shopping center five minutes away. The welcome was warm, and evenings were quiet. My only small concern was the very steep staircase in the duplex. You need to take care going down.

The owner deserves a special mention for being friendly and very accommodating. I got to see several apartments, and they were practical, well-equipped, and in good locations. The area is pleasant and quiet, with a garden. It seems like a good fit for either a short stay or a longer one, with what you need provided.

I called about emergency accommodation because of abuse, and the person on the phone showed no empathy. They coldly said I’d need payslips and other documents if I stayed longer than a month. The reception felt as cold as a prison door. Now I understand the negative reviews.