Finding quality housing can be a challenging process for those who are on temporary out-of-state work assignments, especially those who are foreigners or who have no family or friends in the area where they will be working at. It is important to take your time when selecting an ideal neighborhood and location, to ensure you find a place that is comfortable, affordable and safe. Below are some tips that will help you in this regard.
Prudence in Using Classified Ad Websites
Classified ad websites feature rental properties in most major cities, and these listings are updated daily. Two of the most popular are Backpage and Craigslist. However, although many people on temporary work assignments have found accommodations through these portals, the housing options are often not as ideal either due to location or state of the property. Therefore, exercise prudence when using such websites and make sure you know exactly what you are getting into.
Convenient Locations Will Cost the Most
When relocating to a city for temporary work, it is important to remember that you’ll pay more for properties which are located in the most convenient locations. Of course, downtown is the most popular and convenient area of most major cities, because it is located in close proximity to everything. This also means that you will pay more for temporary housing. Usually, the further you are away from downtown; the less you will pay, unless you’re in an exclusive, gated community.
The Rental Rules for One Area May Differ from Another
At first glance, it may seem that renting a property is the same, no matter where you do it. You find a place, contact the landlord, visit to inspect, pay your first month’s rent and a security deposit and then move in, right? Wrong. While the basic principal of renting a property is the same the world over, there are various nuances which separate one rental market from another.
In some places, it is easy and straightforward to find temporary housing, while in others there are a lot of loopholes you need to deal with, especially if you’re a foreigner. Understanding the nuances of the area you’re moving to will make it a lot easier to find affordable and quality housing. Major cities will offer every type of housing option one desires, while smaller areas will be more limited.
Many Landlords Prefer Long Term Stays
Professionals on temporary work assignments, unfortunately, aren’t favored by many landlords, and this is because they will only be in the area a short period of time. When property owners constantly have to replace tenants, it drives up their operation costs, while long term tenants are favored because they provide steady, uninterrupted cash flow for months or even years. Therefore, temporary workers should expect to pay more for rent than permanent residents.
One of the best ways to find affordable yet convenient rentals is to locate a specialized corporate housing provider who has a range of quality properties suited for people on temporary work assignments. This type of corporate housing option is often known as serviced apartments and can give you great value for money without compromising on quality.