It can be used for people traveling to another city for business meetings or to house temporary employees or contract workers. While corporate housing began as a housing option for company employees, the service has grown to include vacationers, students and people requiring short-term housing when moving. While the fees can be higher than one might first expect, the units are usually well-stocked with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Company housing often includes parking, cleaning service and are centrally located to make commuting easier.
When to Use It
If you have time to find short-term housing, for instance, if you know your new home won’t be ready for you to move into or you need to find a place to live and require short term housing to do that, then we suggest looking into other options, including vacation rental such as Airbnb or VRBO. Pricing and comfort are key. Do your homework and find a place that meets your moving budget needs. If you’re moving off-season in winter, it may be easier to find vacation rental deals than to use corporate houses. So, compare your options or call up the short-term housing company and ask if you meet corporate housing requirements. They may give you a deal considering its off-season or because you’re staying longer than usual.
Costs
As with any rental housing, it depends on where you’ll be staying, for how long, when and how large a unit you’ll need. Typically, company housing will be more costly than renting an unfurnished apartment long-term. Also, the longer you stay, the less you’ll pay. Many corporate housing companies offer daily, weekly and monthly rates with the price decreasing as the length of stay increases. Also, you’ll pay more for a one-bedroom than a studio, more for a two-bedroom than a one-bedroom, etc. You may also find that if you have special needs, such as pets or infants, you might be paying more. Make sure you ask before you book. The location also makes a huge difference in price. While we usually suggest opting for a location further from the center of town, depending on your ability to drive or commuting options, you’ll need to consider the company housing location carefully. Also make sure the location is in a safe part of town and is close to conveniences such as restaurants, cafes and grocery stores.
How to Find It
We recommend using a search engine and entering the search terms: “corporate housing + the city name and country”. Often, smaller local companies will provide the best price. Make sure you check the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau.
