Is this a weird request?

[mjw0808]

I'm renting an apartment off of Craigslist for this weekend. The guy I"m renting from hasn't done anything that indicates I'm getting scammed. No paypal or deposits or anything like that. He's going to meet me at the apartment and give me the keys and I'll pay up front after looking around the place which is no different from other times I rented an apartment in Amsterdam and other places.
One thing that is puzzling to me is that he doesn't want me to list the apartment address as where I'm staying if I'm prompted to do so in customs. Is this a weird request on his part? Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this kind of thing.

[geoffk]

Maybe this is why:
http://www.simplyamsterdam.nl/news/Big_ ... terdam.htm

[mjw0808]

I don't want any funny business during my trip. I sent him an email asking him point blank about his request, hopefully his response will quell my worries otherwise I guess I may need to go another route.

[geoffk]

I hear ya. I've found Citymundo to be pretty reliable. I've been reluctant to use Craig's List myself.

[hippy_man99]

be very wary of illegal housing schemes and crooked landlords... It's a big problem over here.... good thing you asked him before hand...


also if you stay at the place I wouldn't leave valuables around.... If you don't sign a lease who knows if he has a copy of the key...

peace and good luck
hippy

[seanlyall]

I stayed at one in August, there was no problems but I wouldnt do it again, we had to leave early one morning because the guy had knocked on our door to tell us that an inspector was coming round to make sure no one was staying. We werent allowed to check in until an inspector had left either, not worth the bother IMO.

Hotels are pretty cheap for hotels.nl anyway.

[mjw0808]

good info thanks for the heads up