Employee Tips for Successful Short-Term Rental Living

Work-related travel can often lead to the need for more comfortable accommodations. Nearly everyone appreciates a more home-like residence rather than a sterile hotel room if their stay is for more than a few days. Short-term rentals offer a convenient housing solution, but employees staying in these rentals should feel at home but remember these tips during their stay.

The Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA) reveals that the average short-term housing tenant remains at the rental location for 86 days. About 12 percent of employees remain in their rental for a year or more. Both the average and the longest stay are long enough to need to have some personal comfort for the time away from home.

Personal items reduce homesickness and make the rental unit feel more comfortable. A favorite bed pillow and throw blanket are good choices. A few pieces of art, the go-to morning coffee mug, and other personal items can help. The number and the size of the things people bring will usually depend on the distance of the rental from their home.

The attempt to personalize the space should not include any permanent changes. For example, if you replace a showerhead, do it carefully and keep the original to reinstall before leaving. Use a removable wall putty to hang artwork rather than making holes in the wall with nails or thumbtacks. Never paint walls or remove fixtures or features in the rental.

Do not throw large parties, play music loud, or take part in any other behavior that draws negative attention from the neighbors. Complaints to the police or the property owner will reflect on the employer, and that could affect employer/employee relations. Repeated problems from tenants could encourage the property owner to refuse to provide service to the company.

Every property owner has certain rules and standards for the use of their property. Following the rules avoids any added fees or evictions. Make certain to know the rules about overnight guests and pets, especially if any friends or family plan to visit occasionally. Read any lease agreements thoroughly to prevent any accidental rule-breaking.

The condition of the rental affects the reputation of the company just like noise complaints from neighbors. Tenants should stay honest about unintentional damage. A clogged drain or dent in the wall from moving furniture are normal forms of wear and tear and usually are easily repairable. Do not hide any damage or lie about how it occurred.

Keep the apartment clean during use in case of inspections by the property owner. Everyone has different standards of cleanliness, but renters should attempt to meet at least basic standards at all times. Take a little extra time to clean when moving out.

Remove everything from the refrigerator and take all garbage. Clean the floors, wipe down the bathroom, and wash all surfaces after the removal of personal items. Check for forgotten belongings under furnishings and between sofa cushions.

Fringe benefits count as taxable income according to the IRS, and employer-provided houses may meet the standard of a fringe benefit. The benefit can save employees money initially, but it could also become a financial liability during tax-time. The IRS allows some exceptions, so contact a tax preparer for advice if you stay in any work-supplied rentals during the year.

Short-term rentals for employee use have gained popularity due in part to millennial preference. In recent surveys, 70 percent of millennial travelers preferred local host rentals to hotels. Employees can encourage their bosses to use short-term rentals by being reliable tenants. At Corporate Relocation, Inc., we also help by matching the right property to the right client. Contact us for more information.