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Short-Term Rentals: What to Know Before You Lease

If you’re suddenly faced with relocating, a long-term corporate assignment or need to find short-term accommodations, have no fear.  Although the task of weeding through all the different options may seem daunting at first, it doesn’t have to be if you know what to look for in your search.  Like any new endeavor, it pays to do your due diligence when searching for the right company to provide temporary housing.

There are many different types of companies offering short-term accommodations.  Knowing the difference in what kind of accommodations are available is the first step in choosing the right company for your needs.  There are corporate suites, hotels that offer extended stay pricing, short-term furnished apartment rentals, short-term house rentals, apartment locators, and companies that specialize in temporary housing to fit your needs.

The following is a list of key items to check out so you can find the right company for your particular needs:

Customer Service:  Does the company or service provider offer personal customer service or will you be treated like a number?  If you are given few options, it is likely you will be treated like a number and wind up unhappy.  A great temporary housing specialist will listen to your needs and strive to accommodate your requests.

Size:  Yes, size matters.  The average apartment is at least twice the size of a normal hotel room or extended stay unit.  Most apartment units provide a private patio and/or balcony with storage as well.  Extended stay companies operate on volume, and have “cookie cutter” units that are often too small for comfortable living. Extra space can make a big difference during an extended stay away from home.

Price:  Corporate suites and short-term apartment rentals are typically less expensive than a hotel and often times equal to or less expensive than extended stay hotels.

Customization:  Can the company tailor the accommodations to your needs?  For example, can the company make it possible for you to bring your pet or set up space for a baby’s room or home office?  While some extended stay facilities allow pets, as a general rule, hotels do not.

Furnishings:  Choose a company that has quality standards and offers to provide all the comforts of home.  Do they offer fully furnished accommodations with quality furniture?  How about a 32″ LCD TV, kitchenware, linens, washer and dryer, vacuum and cleaning package, iron with full size ironing board, artwork and decorative items?

Convenience:  Can the company provide accommodations that offer privacy and convenience of location?  Short-term apartment rentals and corporate suites are more private and located in a residential area.

Laundry Facilities:  Find out if a washer and dryer are available.  Laundry is an additional expense that can add up fast when staying at a hotel.  Some extended stay accommodations have a laundromat but it is usually in another location and not very convenient.  A customer service oriented company will provide a washer and dryer in either a corporate suite, furnished apartment or house rentals.

Receiving Mail: Will you be able to conveniently receive mail if you have it forwarded?  Attention to little, but very important, items like this will make a big difference in your temporary stay.  Personal mailboxes come with all corporate apartments; however hotels will only offer a pick-up in the lobby.

Garage/covered parking:  Will you have a convenient place to park your car?  Hotels only offer an outside parking space or parking garage on a first-come first-serve basis.  The majority of apartment complexes have individual garages, high rise parking garages and/or individual covered parking included or available.  Some complexes even have parking available for boats and recreational vehicles.

Check out different companies and really compare the services offered.  Keep in mind less expensive does not necessarily mean a better deal.  It may mean poor service or lower quality accommodations.  A temporary housing provider less expensive than the competition is typically offering inferior accommodations.

Inferior accommodations could mean an inconvenient or unsafe location, fewer amenities, or poor quality furnishings.  You may be told an “immediate move-in” is available, but it could be very unsuitable for your needs. It pays to compare apples to apples and select the company that will listen to your needs and deliver what you want.

Finding the right short-term accommodations for your situation is easy when you plan ahead and choose a company with customer service as their focal point for doing business.  After all, excellent customer service is what separates the good from the great.  It will make the difference in a nightmare move or an easy transition.