A comfortable and safe home base is one of the top priorities for travel nurses. Many choose to be placed by their staffing agency in a furnished apartment, while others receive a housing stipend and make their arrangements.
The best homes will include high-speed wifi, laundry facilities, and pet-friendly policies. They should also be near hospitals and other amenities like restaurants, coffee shops, and shopping.
Agency-Placed Housing
Many travel nurse agencies have a housing department that can help travelers find short-term rental properties. They will typically have a list of properties that they can provide to nurses on assignment, and the cost is generally included in your contract. The benefits of agency-provided housing are apparent, especially for new travel nurses unfamiliar with the area where they will be working.
Agency-placed housing as one of the travel nursing benefits can be anything from an extended-stay hotel to a rented apartment or home. These rental properties are usually furnished and include linens, dishes, and utilities. Some travel nurse housing companies will even offer free cable and internet, significantly saving your assignment.
The downside of choosing agency-placed housing is that you don’t have any control over what type of property you live in. The agency will choose the most affordable rental that meets their criteria and is close enough to work. This can mean that you may not be in the most desirable neighborhood or property with all the amenities you are accustomed to.
The other downside of agency-placed housing is that it can be risky. You may be stuck with a lease longer than you want or have to pay penalties should your contract be canceled. If you’re considering this option, check out sites that specialize in finding temporary rentals for traveling nurses, such as Furnished Finder, which offers no booking fees and background-checked landlords.
Self-Placed Housing
Housing is one of the biggest concerns of travel nurses. Many agencies provide their nurses with agency housing, while others pay a stipend and require the nurse to make their arrangements. Choosing the best option depends on several factors, including housing costs and per diem rates.
Agency housing is typically furnished and centrally located, which can save time and money during travel nursing assignments. In addition, it can also be safer since it is usually within walking distance of the job site. Agencies may offer a fee for additional amenities, such as laundry facilities.
Other options for travel nurses include rooms-for-let, which are generally offered through sites like Facebook and Craigslist. While these are usually cheap, they can be unsafe if you rent out an entire home to strangers, and there aren’t many systems to prevent scammers.
Another safe option is extended-stay hotels, which are designed for travelers and typically offer furnished apartments and utilities included in the price. However, they can be more expensive than apartments and are often in less desirable areas. Travel nurses can also rent short-term housing through vacation websites like Airbnb. These are more spacious than hotel rooms, including full kitchens and laundry facilities. In addition, they can be cheaper than extended-stay hotels and aren’t subject to long-term leases.
Corporate Housing
The companies that handle corporate housing for their travelers often offer a wide selection of temporary accommodations in various cities. These options are similar to vacation rentals but with the added benefit that the housing provider has vetted them. The demand for these types of rentals has also branched out to include students on internships, people in between jobs, and those displaced by natural disasters or catastrophes.
Travel nurses who utilize their tax-free housing allowance to rent traditional apartments can find many furnished rental options on websites. These properties are priced competitively and can save you money over a hotel stay. Plus, they can feel more like home.
While choosing to use your tax-free housing allowance to rent a traditional apartment can save you money, it can also be risky if you’re not careful. Be sure to read the fine print in your contract and conduct a thorough background check on the landlord. If you see red flags, such as an apartment being listed for sale or many evictions, moving on to another rental may be best. Ultimately, it’s up to the travel nurse to find a place that makes them comfortable during their assignment and one that suits their budget and preferences.
Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals are short-term properties that offer a consistent passive income in rent payments and room for investment growth. They’re an attractive option for travelers who need to move between assignments frequently and are looking for an additional income stream to supplement their travel nursing salary.
Travel nurse agencies often provide a housing stipend separate from your bill rate to cover your living expenses while on assignment. This amount is based on your contract, the city where you’ll work, and how that particular agency breaks down your pay package.
Many first-time travel nurses accept agency-provided housing for simplicity and cost savings. But it’s also important to consider your comfort level with finding a place in an unfamiliar area before taking company-provided accommodations. Travel Nurse Agency network’s housing manager, Jackie Finz, recommends that you live in company-provided housing if you are new to the industry or don’t have enough experience to find your own.
The best way to determine if you’re better off with an agency-provided or a housing stipend is to compare the housing costs in each assignment location to the per diem rates for that placement. Then, weigh the pros and cons of each option to make an informed decision for your next assignment. To learn more about the various travel nurse housing options available, speak with a recruiting specialist today!
