Chamonix – Seasonal life series

Chamonix is the perfect base for a winter season in the alps. The valley offers incredible high-altitude skiing on your doorstep, and a variety of other ski areas within easy driving distance. The town not only offers incredible skiing, but a real hub of interesting and adventurous people, among a plethora of mountainous activities. 

When it comes to finding accommodation, Chamonix Holidays offers a lot of different options, from studio for two to chalet for ten, we can definitely help you find what you’re looking for this winter season. Once you have your accommodation sorted, it is really important to consider how you can protect your damage deposit and prevent easy mistakes. Here is our guide to help you when you’re moving in and moving out:

What is the damage deposit?

The damage deposit is a sum that is normally demanded by the landlord, to offset any dilipadidations to the accommodation. In holiday lettings, the damage deposit is usually around the 20% mark and is taken just before moving into the property. It will then be returned at the end of the letting, but maybe held for a ‘reasonable’ period whilst the landlord checks the state of the property. In all cases, any sum that is taken from the deposit at the end of the letting must be clearly justified and backed up in writing.

Moving in:

Take photos!

We can’t stress the importance of this. If you don’t have proof of the condition of the accommodation or the furniture when you move in, you don’t have a leg to stand on. It is important to make sure the photos are date stamped as well. 

So you get an idea of the level of detail you need to be looking for; make sure to check the walls for marks, check the skirting boards etc. You need to make sure all of the cupboards and doors all function properly (ie. the hinges are connected etc). Open draws, check the slats under bed, check the mattress. If there are areas that look difficult to clean, note it down.

Go through the inventory with the landlord

Make sure everything is noted down and that it all works. If there are objects that are broken, the landlord must write this on the inventory. This includes cracks or chips in glasses/plates etc. It is also worth turning all the lights on and making sure that these work, the accommodation should be handed over with working lights. When you sign the inventory you are taking responsibility for objects that are listed.

Insurance 

Get this sorted before you move into your accommodation or soon as possible. This might seem obvious, but this will obviously protect you if anything is damaged, especially if the item is valuable. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions about the different types of insurance.

Moving out:

Make sure to clean

 Again this might seem obvious, but there are a lot of things to consider when you are cleaning. Ask your landlord for a list of what he expects to be done before moving out. You will be charged for cleaning and it is easy to avoid. Especially when it comes to things like cleaning your oven. Chamonix Holidays can also provide you with a cleaning guide. We offer tips for difficult things to clean, and a checklist to follow. It might not be specific to your accommodation but will definitely give you a good outline.

Replace Items

If you break something once you have already moved in, try to replace the item with a ‘like for like’ object. You should obviously check this with the landlord before, but it will usually be cheaper to replace the object than have that money taken out of the security deposit.

Fix what you can

If you have noticed things like marks on the walls, you can buy paint or things to fix this before moving out. If you can’t fix it, highlight it to your landlord as soon as possible.

Interested in our seasonal properties?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch, or or send us an email info@chamonixholidays.com.