We are renting a house in Nice and received a letter written in French regarding such. I can read most of
the letter but there is a phrase that perplexes me. It is " non encaisse" and is contained in the sentence
"Un cheque de caution de 700 euros non encaisse." When I go to Bablefish I get a translation of "non encaissse"
as " not boxes". What does this phrase mean? TIA, joe whitlock

Un cheque de caution de 700 euros non encaisse.

A deposit (or: surety) check, in the amount of 700 euros, not cashed.

This must mean that you send them a check for deposit and they do not cash it unless they need the money to cover something - and they probably mail the check back to you.

Yes, that's the way I'd interpret it. (I forgot to add, for your peace of mind, that I spent 20+ years of my life professionally as a simultaneous interpreter of French, and it's my native language.)

Yupster. Bingo. Just don't trash the place or the check will most certainly be "encaissé" (deposited).

I must say that this is the first time I have ever heard of a check being taken as a security deposit on a rental

Unless they mean a certified bank check but even then one could send the check and then cancel it if they damage the apt. and never pay up.

It would only make sense if they deposited the check immediatlety and then wrote you a new one for the full amount in the event that nothing was damaged.

Most security deposits are done via one leaving their credit card info.

Ze French, zey are zo trusting

Saludos,
jer...

madrid nut, webweaver of www.multimadrid.com and keeper of the plaza-cam & sol-cam
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For Italy rentals, most security deposits are paid by check at time of booking - the check is cashed and then another issued to you after your stay. Or you give the deposit in cash when you arrive. And they return it when you leave (and they deduct telephone or heating costs).

Pauline from Slow Travelers