payment for apartment overseas

[health1]

Hi - I want to send payment for a vacation rental in Spain. I am pretty certain that the owner of the unit is the actual owner (I got his contact details through a well-known vacation rental site which he pays to use). However, what is my protection in this case? 

It's person to person, with the 'goods' being that I show up in Spain this comng March and someone will be at this unit I want to rent. 

Thanks in advance. 

[DPCreations]

You would have protection for item not delivered.  That's about the extent of PayPal protection.  Since isn't something delivered I don't think you have much protection at all.

You'd be much better off using tradition advance payment options like a credit card if you really want protection.

PayPal can't protect you from using poor judgement in sending a payment to a stranger.  Make sure you investigate the seller.  I suggest e-mails and then follow up with a phone call before you send any money.  Also, check the seller's web site and then do a thorough internet search about the owner.  Do you reallly understand the seller refund policies.  Do you really trust the seller with your money without depending on PayPal?

[Whac-A-Mole]

why not ask the venue where he listed his apt rental what protection do you get? 

use your credit card via Paypal and file item not received if the apt is not available,he would not be able to upload tracking so you will win.

if you lose,file chargeback with your credit card issuer.

BUT you have a bigger problem on your hands,you would have to find another place to live,like a hotel .