P.s. I meant 'out' of the norm

Yes he has to have the passport details, but normally you provide them when you arrive along with a photocopy of the passport because you may change the names before you arrive, if he wants it now provide it or explain if there is a problem

In terms of "He is also asking for payment at the time of arrival in cash. It looks as if the place has only been with Home Away since 2011. Personally, I prefer paying in cash when we arrive,"
since he wants what you want how is there a problem?

If you are Italian it would be illegal but since you are a foreigner there is no problem apart from
1) getting the cash
2) getting it to him without being mugged
3) counting it

if you can do 1, 2 and 3 (and there are issues here) then no problem

"If you are Italian it would be illegal . . ."

??? What do you mean by that?

Well, #1 and #2 shouldn't be a problem and I've read Rome is fairly safe, so hopefully, #3 won't be a problem.
No worries, then
Just looking for reassurance
I live in the US...first time renting in Italy.

There's a reason for proof reading before posting a response...sorry. Meant 1 & 3 shouldn't be a problem Hopefully, not 2.
I am so embarrassed..blush

Italians cannot legally exchange between them cash or other untraceable values for amounts of 1000 euros or more, but this proved impractical with foreigners. UE and EEA citizens have the same limit as Italians; other nationals can pay in cash up to 15000 euro, but a tax notification including copies of passports should be filed by the receiver.

Remember that if you are importing into Italy more than 10000 euro you should declare the amount at customs when entering.

More info: we're only renting for three nights, so the amount is under 1000 Euros.

We are renting in Rome in April. I have researched apartment rentals quite a bit and the Paypal/credit card deposit with cash on arrival appears to be an industry standard.

Check your agreement careful to see if a refundable cash damage deposit is required. Sometimes it is, sometimes not. Sometimes they don't require cash but will take a check which is returned to you upon departure inspection.

The passport numbers prior to arrival is a bit out of the ordinary, but this owner/manager may do it that way just so there's one less thing to do on arrival day.

Normally, most owners/managers would get your numbers on arrival day or make copies of your passports.

The cash on arrival is fairly standard. A lot of threads here question how to pay it -- getting it from an ATM, etc. If that's a bit of a problem the first day because of ATM limits, most owners understand and will use your CC as backup until you pay the full amount in cash prior to your departure.