rental contract

• I have seen an apartment in Spain(on the internet) that I'd like to rent . It's available from 1 June, but I won't be able to move over there until July. I can manage to go over for several days in June to check it out and sign the contract (assuming it really is what I want). The landlord has suggested the following way that I can 'reserve' the apartment:
  I pay 2 months' rent (1 month being deposit) now and when I go over in June, if I like it I can sign the contract. If I don't, it's too bad and I don't get the down payment back. How can I make sure that he really does reserve the apartment for me? Assuming I do like it, I don't mind so much paying upfront, but I do want to be sure that it is then kept for me and not rented out to someone else.
  Can a contract be made to include this, before I sign the rental contract. Any advice more than welcome.

  12 may 2007, 03:45 sushi