In the past, one of the most challenging aspects of working as a travel nurse was finding safe and affordable short-term rentals that offered fully-furnished accommodations. Fortunately, more landlords have realized the advantages of renting to travel nurses, and websites like Furnished Finder make it easier than ever to secure traveling nurse rentals in cities across the country.

However, the convenience of finding properties online can potentially expose travel nurses to online housing scams. While listing websites practice their due diligence when it comes to preventing and identifying fraudulent rental properties, travel nurses also need to be armed with the right knowledge and know-how to spot potential scams. This guide will help you avoid scams and get matched up with trustworthy landlords and ideal housing opportunities.

Common Housing Scams

Typically, housing scams fall under three main categories: the fake ad, the spoof ad, and the identity theft ad. Usually, the fake ad will only include a few blurry images and very little information about the property. Remember that landlords are running a business and looking to earn rental income, which means that a legitimate landlord will really want to sell their rental and show it in the best light possible. If the ad is short on details, it is probably fake. Move on to other options and take the time to report any suspicious ads so that other travel nurses don’t fall victim to scams.

The spoof ad can be a little harder to spot.

In this case, they typically use professional images that really catch your eye, but there tends to be something about the listing that seems too good to be true. Perhaps you have been looking at comparable properties, and they are listed at much higher prices. If the landlord is offering a lot of space and other amenities for a bargain basement price, beware. Rental prices in the same area should be pretty consistent…

Identity theft ads

With identity theft ads. A scammer has stolen the landlord’s identity and is posing as them to try and convince potential renters to send them money. This type of scam won’t be as obvious right up front but listen to your instincts if something feels off or you don’t feel completely comfortable with the interactions between you and the landlord.

Remember, scammers will always have an odd story about why they can’t show you the place, and they’re building urgency with each interaction with the ultimate goal of you sending money to secure the property. Once that money has been sent, there is no way to get your money back (even if you use popular payment sites like Zelle or Venmo).

Landlords can also be victims of scammers as well.

The best thing they can do is have a tenant screening system and stick to it every time. A common online landlord scam is where a scammer pretends to be a foreign student who is shipping their car. They’ll send you a check for more than your move-in costs, but you’re supposed to send the ‘extra money’ to a car shipping company. The bottom line is “the bigger the story, the bigger the ruse.” Don’t fall for it.

Watch for these Housing Scam Red Flags:

1. A dramatic storyline.

If they are stuck overseas, need to rent out the property ASAP due to an illness, or offer up some other heart-wrenching reason that is meant to evoke a sympathetic response, ghost the poster immediately. Legitimate landlords should already have a simple and straightforward process for both parties involved.

2. Landlord is unable to meet in person.

Even if the owner lives in another state, they should have someone nearby managing them. You should always be able to meet the landlord in person if you want to. A scammer may agree to meet in person at first, but you will find that they always come up with an excuse to cancel, which usually involves a sob story.

3. Unusual communication hours.

Have you noticed that the landlord only seems to send you emails at 2 in the morning? While they might be night owls, there is a good chance that they are actually located overseas and running a housing scam.

4. Poorly written emails and European spellings.

If their emails are full of misspellings and grammatical errors, it is difficult to decipher what they are trying to say. This is a major red flag. Also, take note of any European spellings, such as the additional “u” in words like colour and labour, or maybe they use the word “revert” instead of “reply.”

5. They want you to wire funds.

There are plenty of ways to instantly make secure payments from your smartphone or computer in today’s digital world. There is no reason to ever wire money, especially to someone you don’t know. Scammers will try and pressure you into sending a wire transfer because it means that you won’t be able to get your money back. Even then, you can still get scammed on Venmo and Zelle, so be sure who you’re speaking to is really the owner of the property. (Don’t be fooled by fake passports either – commonly, the identity they use will have a fake passport as well).

6. They are using high-pressure sales tactics.

The faster a scammer can get you to commit to a property, the less time you have to notice and consider some red flags that might be popping up. Oftentimes, they will tell you that others are ready to rent the property, and you have to move fast. Most reputable landlords are happy to go through the application and verification process so that both parties are comfortable moving forward and set up for success. If you are feeling rushed and uncertain, trust yourself and move on to another listing.

Don’t get so stressed that you make a bad decision and don’t forget that hotels are your friend! You can always grab an extended-stay hotel when you arrive to give you time to meet the landlord and view the property.

Tips for Avoiding Housing Scams

First and foremost, begin your housing search with an established company that screens the hosts. Furnished Finder, who also owns TravelNurseHousing.com, is familiar with the needs of travel nurses and the challenges they face when it comes to avoiding scams which is why every landlord on FF must pass a background check before their listing goes live. Verifying the landlord’s identity is a time-consuming and expensive process for a housing site. Still, it is also one reason Furnished Finder is probably the highest-regarded travel nurse housing site in the industry.

In case you find housing somewhere else and want a second opinion to make sure you’re not speaking to a scammer, you can even submit a free owner verification report from Furnished Finder as well. This is the same report they use to screen their landlords on their site, but they don’t charge the traveler a dime.

You can also do some sleuthing of your own

Using Google Maps and Google image search. Take a few moments to find the property on Google Maps and verify that the street view of the property matches the images of the property listing. You can also take the images and run them through Google image search to see whether these same pictures have been used on other listings and are part of a scam.

While scammers continue to become more sophisticated, there are steps you can take to identify and avoid being taken in by a fake landlord looking to steal your money and your personal information. Be aware of the different types of housing scams, look out for red flags, and follow our tips for avoiding scams. To learn more about this topic and start searching for the right rental for your next travel nurse assignment, visit Furnished Finder today.

We hope that these tips for avoiding housing scams help you on your travels! If you are looking for more tips for travel nurse housing, The Ultimate Travel Nurse Housing Resource for the Renter and Landlord includes great information for travel nurses looking for housing.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

When you are working as a travel nurse, it can be a little tricky to figure out how much to budget for housing. The area of the country, the season you are in, and the number of short-term rentals available in the area will all affect how furnished rentals are priced. This can make it especially frustrating for new travel nurses to figure out what to pay for their short-term rental.

Housing Stipend Calculator

Luckily, Furnished Finder has a tool that makes comparing all of the housing costs in a certain area easy. The Housing Stipend Calculator gives you a great breakdown of what is available in the area, how common certain amenities are, and what average rates are for private rentals versus renting a room.

This is especially helpful because it gives you a breakdown of the types of rentals travel nurses are actually looking for. Most websites cater to either traditional renters and have prices based on unfurnished units with a long-term lease, or they are priced for vacationers and only offer a nightly rate that adds up quickly for long stays. With this tool, you can compare fully furnished spaces with monthly rates listed and short lease terms available as the standard practice.

How much to spend on short-term housing?

Most experienced travel nurses will recommend spending a maximum of one-quarter of your monthly income (aka one paycheck) on your short-term rental. This allows you to allocate three-quarters of your income towards savings, expenses back home, or fun! For most, this is a manageable amount that will allow you to live comfortably while also securing safe, comfortable housing.

Now when it comes to deciding what a truly fair price is for the area you will be living in, some of it will depend on your personal preferences. For instance, if having a washer and dryer in your unit is a non-negotiable, your idea of a fair rate may be different than someone who is willing to make trips to the laundromat.

What is the cost of living in your facility?

Square one is looking at what pay packages in the area are looking like for your specialty. Unfortunately, the pay that hospitals are offering may not line up well with the cost of living in the area they are located. Ask your recruiter(s) for a ballpark range in the city where you are looking, and loosely base your housing budget on that.

Then make a list of what you really want in your housing options and a list of non-negotiables. These may change as you move through your search, but it’s a good idea to have a rough idea of what you really want in your living space.

Plug the city into the Housing Stipend Calculator.

Next, plug that city into the Housing Stipend Calculator and see if your preferred amenities, the pay rates for the area, and average housing costs line up. I like to make sure there are at least five or six spaces easily within my budget because housing can fill fast. Don’t bank on scoring the one “budget” space after you secure your travel nurse assignment, so make sure you have several options that would work.

Adjust your expectations on your budget, if necessary.

Along the way, you may need to adjust your expectations or your budget. Sometimes, you may find that pay rates for the area simply don’t line up with what you would like to pay for housing and the amount you need to pay for all of your expenses back home. Don’t feel defeated–this just means it’s not the right time to travel to this particular city or state. Broaden your search, and the right travel nurse assignment at the right price is sure to roll around eventually.

At the end of the day, it’s difficult to set a specific price range that you can expect to pay for short-term housing across the country. Plus, every person will have their own idea of what ideal housing consists of. Set your expectations, adjust as needed, and take every hiccup as a learning experience for next time!

Travel nursing can be a great way to see the country, enjoy new experiences and expand your professional resume. For the landlord, renting to travel nurses comes with a long list of benefits that help reduce risk and keep their units filled. Combined with The Gypsy Nurse, this comprehensive housing guide is brought to you by Furnished Finder – the leading source for travel nurse housing. This housing article covers the most important topics facing traveling nurses and the landlords who host them.

Should I Take Company Housing or the Stipend?

Jobs and housing are attached at the hip, and they both have to make sense to ensure your next assignment is successful. Of course, housing stipends aren’t what they used to be, but taking the stipend and finding your own place is the most popular choice among travelers. While both housing options come with certain benefits, using your stipend to secure a short-term rental can help you enjoy a better travel nurse experience overall.

In the past, company housing played an important role in providing housing in small towns where there were limited home rental options. Fortunately, finding short-term rentals that come fully furnished with utilities already included is easier than ever. The gig economy has helped to turn homeowners into hosts, which makes it possible to find housing that fits all your needs in almost any city across America. In fact, Furnished Finder has over 25,000 furnished property listings that cater specifically to traveling healthcare professionals like you!

The Reality of Company Housing

While company housing may seem like the more convenient route to take, it is important to keep in mind that you may end up being assigned a hotel room or an apartment that’s most affordable for the company but not always what you would choose yourself. When you find your own housing, you can filter searches according to the features and amenities that matter the most to you, like budget, pets, laundry, and proximity to your assignment. You can even search for property types such as a room, studio, basement, back-house, apartment, or house to make sure you get what you’re looking for. Ultimately, you have the advantage of choosing where and how you live when you take the stipend over choosing company housing (if company housing is available at all).

Housing for Less Than Your Stipend

The goal is to secure housing for less than what your stipend pays, but we know that’s not always the case…especially in those expensive cities. If keeping your budget down is a necessity for your next assignment, you may want to consider looking for a shared space in those impacted areas. If you don’t mind a house-share situation, this is probably the best way to stay under budget. You can also search for a travel buddy on The Gypsy Nurse Facebook group to share expenses with if your contracts align. Just be sure to have a plan in case one of your assignments gets canceled mid-term.

There’s another camp of travelers who prefer not to share housing at all. They are the ones searching for a private unit or whole house. When you are occupying the whole unit, you should expect to pay more for the comfort and privacy of your own place. Knowing this, it is more important to eliminate extra costs like booking fees and high deposits.

Landlords Typically Set Their Own Rent

You may find some wiggle room in the rent price if you speak to the hosts directly before booking, but since you’re renting monthly instead of nightly, security deposits are an important, often-overlooked aspect of travel nurse housing. According to Furnished Finder, hosts that price their deposits moderately (they recommend ⅓ of rent) are the most successful landlords on the platform. With as much choice as there is today, chances are that you’ll be able to find a property owner who is offering a place with a reasonable deposit.

Using your stipend and spending a little time finding the right housing situation for you doesn’t have to be a long and laborious process. Instead of leaving it to chance with company housing, you can find a cozy room, apartment, condo, or entire house that comes with all the comforts you’d expect. Being able to come home to a warm and welcoming environment after a long shift can make all the difference when it comes to handling job stress and enjoying your travel nurse experience.

Furnished Housing Vs. Corporate Housing

Corporate housing is another option that travel nurses can use for short-term stays, but as you may already know, these properties typically start out as unfurnished 12-month rentals, so they will fetch a premium for the short-term lease and will require furniture rental and utilities. While corporate housing does cater to clients who will be staying for a few weeks or months at a time, you will find that corporate housing is more expensive.

Renting furniture is OK in a pinch, but it is rarely the least expensive or quickest option. If you go the furniture-rental route, they typically won’t rent your furniture for less than a 3-month minimum, and if your contract cancels mid-term, you will still be on the hook for the entire contract. Other people may figure out a way to furnish a rental on the cheap (garage sales/Nextdoor), but most of the time, it is simply not worth it… Besides, setting up your own utilities for a 3-month stay is exhausting and borderline unrealistic (are you going to wait for the utility guy to show up between 8 am-2 pm)?

With monthly furnished housing, you can arrive as you are and have a home that is move-in ready! The temperature is cozy, the bed is made, the kitchen is stocked, and best of all, the WiFi is already connected! Now you have everything you need to feel at home when you arrive immediately.

Traveling with a Pet

Traveling with a pet can ease the anxiety that can come with moving to a new place and starting a new job. Pets also make the perfect traveling companion and mean that you will always have a friend ready for adventure in your new town. Although it may narrow your housing options a little bit depending on the area, there are still many pet-friendly landlords that make it easy to bring your pet on assignment. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you are considering traveling with your pet.

Use Pet-Friendly Filters When You Search

You can filter your searches by clicking on the box that reads “Pets Welcome.”

It is important to Contact the Landlord.

Take the time to call the landlord and learn more about the property and whether it will be a good fit for your pet. If it is a shared space, they may want you to keep your pet in your area of the home. A quick phone call can clarify any restrictions and avoid misunderstandings.

Bringing a Pet Can Come with Fees

With most properties, bringing a pet will require a non-refundable- pet deposit and/or an increase in monthly rent. If you find the perfect property but think the fee is too high, reach out to the landlord and see if they are willing to negotiate. Apartment complexes are less willing to negotiate.

There May be Breed, Weight, and Other Restrictions

This is especially true with apartments. You may also run into difficulties if you have more than two pets.

Get a Reference From Your Previous Landlord

If a previous landlord is willing to vouch for you and your pet, a potential landlord may feel a lot more comfortable about opening their property to your pet.

Send Photos

A few photos can give the landlord a better idea of the type and size of your pet and help with clear communication. If they are reluctant about welcoming your pet, a quick visual may tip the scales in your favor. Also, ensure your profile is up to date with your pet’s information as well.

Traveling with your pet can enrich your entire experience and help you ward off any homesickness. Just be sure to search for pet-friendly properties and make sure it is a good fit for everyone involved. You may also want to use services like Rover.com and Wag.com to schedule a dog walker during your long shifts. With the right planning, your pet can be a part of all your adventures.

Securing a Lease

With our housing partner, Furnished Finder, you book your housing directly with the property owner, which works well because there are no markups to rent or booking fees. Of course, every host does things a little differently, but you should expect to complete a credit check and sign a lease before you move in. Month-to-month leases are the most attractive to a travel nurse because it gives you the flexibility to put in your 30-day notice at any time if you have to. On the reverse end of that scenario, it’s great when you want to extend your contract for another 13 weeks because you should get the first right of refusal to keep the property.

Pay Close Attention to the Details

Pay close attention to details like rent, deposit (is it refundable or not), move-in date, pet policy, parking, laundry, cleaning fees, and the time you’re required to give the landlord to vacate (ideally 30 days, sometimes 60 days with apartment complexes). Regarding the notice to vacate, a good habit to get into is to set a calendar item on your phone as a reminder of when to give your landlord notice.

You may not know if you’re staying or moving at that exact moment, but since the lease requires a notice to be provided at a specific time relative to your lease term, make sure it is done. After you provide your notice, follow it up with a conversation with the landlord, as most of the time, they’ll work with you on the timing…they just need to know your plan as soon as you do! Within that time (30 days is common), you can change your mind and decide to stay if the hospital renews your contract.

Compare the Lease to the Listing

Compare the lease you get with the initial listing to make sure that it is accurate. Once you sign the lease, that is your agreement with the landlord. Leases protect both parties, so if something isn’t quite right or if you need clarity on a certain section, don’t be afraid to ask for a further explanation before you sign.

Once you sign the lease, that is your agreement with the landlord. Leases protect both parties, so if something isn’t quite right or if you need clarity on a certain section, don’t be afraid to ask for a further explanation before you sign.

Keep good notes and copies for your records. You should also hold onto any text messages and emails between you and the host in case disputes arise in the future.

Avoiding Scams

As you look for your next place to stay, it is important to be aware that online housing scams are real, and you are the only one who can protect yourself from them. Although scams may be more prevalent on platforms like Craigslist, Zillow, or Roomster, they can happen anywhere, so you should always be on the lookout for red flags that could signal trouble. Here are a few tips that you can employ to avoid online housing scams.

Tips to Spot Scammers

While we work hard to protect users from scammers, there are additional steps you can take to ensure that you are connecting with reputable landlords who have your best interest in mind.

Beware of Listings that Seem Too Good to be True.

If you come across a beautiful, spacious home in a high-cost city that rents for well below the majority of properties in the same market, you may have come across a scam.

Don’t Wire Money

There are secure ways to make payments that are both traceable and refundable. Wiring funds means that the same protections won’t be in place. A legitimate landlord will be interested in creating a clear paper trail for both parties involved.

Be on the Lookout for Constant Misspellings and European Spelling of Words

While the occasional typo is understandable, if you are having trouble reading their emails or it is clear they are communicating with you from another country, be sure to report the listing and continue your search.

Stay away from landlords who can’t meet in person or provide a face-time walk-through.

A scammer will be full of excuses for why they can’t meet you at the property. For most landlords, renting their property is a business they take seriously. That means they will be more than happy to meet with you and do their own due diligence to make sure they are renting to the right candidates.

Trust your Gut

If something seems off, don’t feel bad about being suspicious or asking for proof of ownership. Keep in mind there’s always a story with a scammer, so don’t buy it. Just ghost them. There are plenty of other listings that are worth your time and attention.

Scammers like Desperation

It creates an environment of anxiety and fear, which they thrive on. Don’t fall into the thought process of “I don’t want to lose this property, so I’d better hurry up and send this guy a deposit.” That is what they want. That is how they make their money. Consider staying in a hotel for a week when you first get into town.

Modern Payments

Sometimes they’ll even use modern payment systems like Zelle or Venmo, so make sure that the person you’re speaking to is really the property owner.

It’s up to you to protect yourself, but Furnished Finder can help. They will provide travelers with a free “Owner Verification Report” no matter what platform they used to find housing.

Extending a Contract

There may be instances where the hospital offers to extend your contract. If you are happy with your work situation and feel like you are gaining great professional experience while also making a positive impact, this could be a great opportunity to continue your work and get to know the city even better. This is also the perfect time to reexamine your housing situation. If you are content with your accommodations, you can contact the landlord and ask about staying on longer. However, if you would like to move closer to work or try out a different neighborhood, you can easily make the move. (Don’t forget to provide the proper notice to vacate to your landlord).

Opportunity to Explore

Extending your contract also gives you the opportunity to explore more of the city and surrounding areas. If 13 weeks didn’t seem like enough and there are still parks, attractions, restaurants, and other locations you haven’t been able to visit, staying a few more months could be a great option.

8 Things Travel Nurses Want Their Landlord to Know:

If you are a landlord interested in renting to travel nurses and wondering what you can do to cater to their needs, here is a good place to start. While individuals may be looking for specific amenities, in general, travel nurses have the same set of priorities. By understanding your audience, you can attract more travel nurse tenants.

1. Safety

Your tenants will probably be traveling to a new city all by themselves and may not know your area very well. They want to feel secure by choosing a safe place in a safe neighborhood. You can attract travel nurses by adding a security system, installing a fence and gate, and taking other precautions to secure the home. If you’re offering a room, you’ll want to specify if the room has a key lock and if other travelers will be living there. Be sure to prominently advertise these features in your listing because they can be big selling points. In addition, if you are close to a police or fire station, this may be worth mentioning.

2. Affordable Housing

While some housing stipends may cover the cost of housing, please be aware that a lot of them may not because they rarely account for high-cost cities. The main point in bringing this up is to clear up the false impression that travel nurses have big fat stipends – they don’t. Travel nurses are budget travelers. If you want to rent to traveling healthcare professionals, your rent needs to be fair, and your deposit needs to be affordable. The amount you choose for a deposit can help or hurt you because if it’s too high, they’ll simply find a more affordable place to stay. Furnished Finder recommends that hosts set deposits to be about 1/3 of rent. It is up to the landlords to set their own rent and deposit.

If you’re a property owner who would like to start hosting travel nurses in your property and want to get an idea of the demand in your area, or you want to figure out how to price your property, search the map to get an idea of rents in your area.

Travel nurses want to get the most for their money and find a property that checks most of their boxes. Be sure to offer competitive pricing and make it clear what they are getting for their rent. They may be willing to spend towards the upper limit of their budget if you can make the case for your property over others in your area.

3. Utilities Included

Travel nurses want a home away from home and all the conveniences that come with that. Offering high-speed WiFi is an absolute must, as well as already having all the utilities up and running. They are always moving about the country and have more choices than ever, so your property should be totally move-in ready. Once they come home after a long shift at the hospital, they want to relax, make something to eat, stream their favorite Netflix show, and get some peaceful sleep.

4. Pet-Friendly

A lot of travel nurses enjoy the comfort and companionship that comes with traveling with their pets, and many landlords choose to accommodate them. If you allow pets, your property listing will be more distinct, and you may get more inquiries from potential tenants! It’s not uncommon to charge a non-refundable pet cleaning fee to help offset your costs.

5. Location, Location, Location.

Travel nurses don’t want to waste too much time commuting to and from work or running errands, like visiting the grocery store. If you are located close to hospitals, shopping, coffee shops, restaurants, and other conveniences, your property will be a standout. Proximity to public transportation can be another plus. Not every travel nurse wants to deal with bringing a car on assignment. If there is a bus stop a couple of blocks from your property, make sure to include this in your listing.

6. Parking and Laundry

Having a designated parking spot can be a huge selling point, especially in big cities. You don’t want your tenants to have to spend time circling the block trying to find a spot that isn’t too far from the rental…especially at night. On-site laundry can also be a deal maker. After a long day at the hospital, travel nurses aren’t going to want to spend their free time hauling clothes to and from the laundromat.

7. Positive Reviews

Having a strong track record and plenty of positive reviews from past tenants will put you at the top of the list. Just one bad review can leave you with a property that is empty for months at a time. Don’t hesitate to politely ask tenants for reviews and work to build up a strong online reputation.

8. Go the Extra Mile

If you can provide all these things to travel nurses, you will be well on your way to becoming a popular landlord. However, there are some additional steps you can take to really win over your tenants and provide a superior housing experience. Some steps include:

Provide plenty of storage space.

No one wants to feel like they are living out of their suitcase, especially for 13 weeks at a time. A spacious dresser and a personal closet can go a long way.

Include Towels, Linens, Cleaning Supplies, and Other Essentials

Most travel nurses arrive with the items that they were able to fit in their car. You can help them save space and simplify their lives by providing some of the basics you know they will need during their stay. If you’re used to hosting nightly travelers, you certainly don’t have to provide everything you might for vacationers, but you will want to make sure traveling nurses have everything they need for the first few days or so until they can get to the store for some essentials.

Provide a Comfortable Bed

Travel nurses spend long shifts on their feet and often have to work night shifts. Don’t stick them with an old, lumpy mattress. A comfortable bed will allow them to enjoy rejuvenating rest so they can be at their best.

Create a Peaceful Environment

This is especially important if you live on the property and will be sharing space with your tenant. Don’t run the vacuum while they are trying to sleep after a night shift. You may even want to provide a sound machine that can block out city noise and create a consistent and relaxing background noise. Likewise, blackout curtains are helpful for those day sleepers.

Whether you are a travel nurse embarking on your first assignment or you are a seasoned traveler looking for new ways to improve each experience, follow the tips in this resource to help ensure your assignment is successful and enjoyable. You can also take advantage of a long list of other informational resources that are available on Furnished Finder and The Gypsy Nurse.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

It’s a challenge that all travel nurses face: housing. While Furnished Finder gives travelers more than 100,000 options for monthly furnished rentals across the country, how do you ensure that your rental experience is the best it can be? Well, let’s break it down into a few key tips.

Communication is key

This may seem obvious, but in too many cases, it isn’t. Communication is key to ensuring that your rental and your rental experience are exactly what you’re looking for. From the moment you send a housing request or when you send out a message or booking inquiry on Furnished Finder, take a few extra minutes to be detailed. Introduce yourself, explain exactly what you are looking for, how long you are looking to stay, any deal breakers or must-haves, as well as if you have any pets. A personal introduction and getting all of your needs clear from the beginning will go a long way in ensuring that property owners who reach out are already aware of your needs.

This also applies when you are at the property. Is it missing any furnishing that you need? Is something broken? Remember that a property owner can only fix or improve what they know about!

Avoid scams

There’s no worse rental experience than a scam. There are multiple ways to avoid being taken as a part of a scam, but some of the most impactful tips are to talk to a landlord on the phone or on facetime, always pay securely, and do a verification check. Talking on the phone will ensure that the relationship passes your “gut check” and that you have no uneasy feelings. Facetime to see the property (and if the property is occupied, at least the exterior of the property) will ensure that you are renting exactly what you think you are renting. Paying securely with a credit card will offer you protection in case of a dispute or other conflict. (This is one of the many reasons to avoid paying via Venmo or Zelle). Finally, make sure that the property belongs to the property owner by requesting a verification check on Furnished Finder.

Know the area

If you’re traveling to a new area, reach out to local Facebook groups or talk to new co-workers to discover the best and safest area of town to stay in. Even if it is a tad further from the hospital, keeping your safety as a top priority will be more than worth a slightly further commute. You can also do a Google street view and research crime rates in the area to help you get a feel for the area before you arrive.

Be honest with pet expectations and rules.

Pets! We love them, and they can help keep you company while on the road! Many property owners welcome Fido with open arms but have set in place different policies to protect everyone. Make sure that you ask about any regulations or policies and that you are comfortable with them before signing a lease.

Get everything in writing.

It may seem tedious, but when you’re talking lease terms, rules, and policies, get everything in writing as a part of your lease. What is your deposit? What is the rent? What happens if your contract gets canceled? What would cause a property owner to keep your deposit? How quickly will you get your deposit back? Make sure that you get all of these items and any other questions you may have put into writing!

At the end of the day, nothing ensures a great rental experience like trusting your gut. Be sure that you’re comfortable with where you are, and go have a great time exploring the new area!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

When it comes to looking for travel nurse housing, budget is a huge factor for most nurses. Whether you are trying to save money for a nice vacation or pay off a large amount of debt, most travel nurses are keen to pocket as much of their housing stipend as they can.

One of the most popular ways to save money on housing is to rent a room in someone’s home. Furnished Finder is a great resource because you can specify if you are looking for a single room or a private unit.

Rooms Vs. Private Space

Rooms are often about half the price of private space, and it is sometimes nice to have the homeowner on site because you know the place will be taken care of. However, it is always a gamble to understand the travel nurse lifestyle, be respectful of the night shift, or “get it” when you get done working three in a row and want to keep to yourself and binge some Netflix. If you travel with a pet, it may be difficult to find a landlord who is willing to welcome your furry friend into their personal home.

Alternates to room renting

A great alternative to renting a room in someone’s home is finding another travel nurse or two to share housing with while on assignment. This is a great way to make connections with people living a similar lifestyle to yours, and it saves both parties money. And if you travel with a pet, it is sometimes easier to take the pet into a new rental rather than an already occupied home.

Plus, as a bonus, you may even be able to spring for the nicer, more spacious rental you couldn’t afford as a single traveler. Want to live in an adorable two-bedroom condo within walking distance from the beach? Most travel nurses couldn’t afford this San Diego Condo on their salary alone, but splitting it with a roommate makes the cost more than reasonable.

So how do you go about finding a roommate?

First, try asking your recruiter. If you are taking a job at a hospital with multiple openings, there is always a chance your recruiter has placed someone else there recently. Try asking them if they know of any other travelers from their company headed in that direction. The bonus here is if you are starting at the same facility, you are likely to have similar start and end dates because most hospitals do batches of orientation.

Next, look for an area-specific group on Facebook.

Most big cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Phoenix have specific groups for travelers living in or headed to that area. Try searching “ (X City) Travel Nurses” and looking under groups. Sometimes people post when there is a nice space they have an eye on or their roommate is leaving, and they want to extend. You could also go on these groups and post a little about yourself and see if you get any leads on a traveler who would want to share a space for a contract.

Keep this in mind. It is still prudent to take the time to discuss important lifestyle preferences and habits. If you smoke, plan on having overnight guests, or have very particular cleanliness habits, it is best to be upfront about these things. That way, you can pass on roommates who won’t quite mesh with you and avoid problems later down the road.

While living with roommates at this stage in your career was maybe not something you had envisioned for yourself when working as a travel nurse, this can be a great way to ease some of the loneliness that comes with the job. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and make a few connections–the worst-case scenario is only thirteen weeks!

Have you taken advantage of the benefits of living with roommates as a travel nurse? Are there benefits to housing with roommates that we left out? Comment them below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

TNAA Healthcare provided this article.

There are a few things that can make or break a travel nurse assignment, and housing is at the top of the list. Not having safe, comfortable, affordable housing is an assignment dealbreaker.

Travel nurse housing is an industry pain point for travelers and agencies, but some of these can be fixed by squashing a myth around travel nurse housing and explaining how it works.

Often, when a traveler hears an agency offers housing assistance, they think the agency will not pay a per diem. Because of that, travelers won’t reach out to an agency’s housing department at all. What should be understood is that there are multiple types of housing assistance, and some agencies do it better than others.

Housing Assistance With a Per Diem

Say you pay a mortgage in your home state and qualify for a per diem when you take a travel nurse assignment. When a traveler takes the per diem, sometimes their agency’s housing assistance ends there. However, other agencies will still help you find safe accommodations within your budget, whether you want to stay in an apartment, private rental, long-term hotel, or elsewhere.

Even if you take a per diem, talk with your agency to see what housing resources they offer. After all, your agency is supposed to be your support system on the road.

Housing Paid For by the Travel Nurse Agency

The next statement is a big point to understand: When you take housing that’s paid for by your agency, you won’t receive a housing per diem. This is because you’re not duplicating expenses by paying for your own accommodations. Instead, the agency is handling the bill.

In the industry, it’s becoming less frequent to take agency housing. Many travelers feel they can find accommodations at a better rate and pocket the rest of the per diem, or they aren’t happy with the ‘paid for’ options they’re provided.

Regardless of whether or not you take the per diem, you’ll want to work with an agency that can assist you in finding the right place to stay, especially in a tight housing market. To help you, here are the travel nurse housing questions you should ask when researching agencies.

Questions to Ask About Travel Nurse Housing

Do you have a housing department, and will I get a dedicated housing specialist?
If the agency pays for housing…
1. Will I be working with the housing department or an outsourced vendor to secure a place to stay?
2. Will I have multiple housing options presented to me?
3. How much input do I have in the option picked?
4. Are utilities put in the agency’s name or my name?
If taking the per diem…
1. Will the housing department assist me if I take the per diem?
2. Does the agency have a leads list I can use to find reliable private owners renting to travelers?
3. Will the agency help me find an extended-stay hotel and get the best rate?
4. Can the agency assist with some of the upfront costs of moving, like having to pay deposits or the first and last month’s rent?
5. Does the agency have discount codes I can use to get the best rate?
If traveling with others…
1. Will the agency assist me if I want to travel with my friends, family, or pets?
2. Does the agency consider whether the housing option is in a family-friendly location?
3. Does the agency consider whether the housing option is in a pet-friendly location?
Will the agency help me find another place to stay if I don’t feel comfortable or safe when I arrive?
Will the agency help me if I want to see the area before I make a final housing decision?

As a travel nurse, you have plenty of to-do’s with each assignment, and finding housing is one of them. With the current housing market, it can be easier to work with an agency with a housing department and specialists dedicated to finding a safe, affordable, and comfortable place for you to stay that accommodates you and any others you bring along for the ride.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

The holidays are upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about what gifts you might want to get the nurse in your life! I have put together a holiday gift guide for travel healthcare professionals. I’m breaking down these gift ideas into three categories: Nurses/Student Nurses, Travel Nurses, and RV Travel Nurses. A lot of these are functional, but some are also just plain cute and would make for some great work accessories.

Nurses/Student Nurses

Badge reels. These are always great, inexpensive gifts to get the nurse in your life. You can find them on Amazon or Etsy, and can be personalized to the nurse you are purchasing for! Here’s a super cute option, but there are tons of others.

Badge pens/markers. These come in handy and are another great stocking stuffer/inexpensive gift you will be thanked for!

Personalized water bottle/coffee cup. You really can’t go wrong with this option because 1) most nurses love cups/bottles with cute or funny sayings and 2) getting nurses motivated to drink more water during their shifts is never a bad thing!

Fleece/jacket. Hospitals get CHILLY. Bonus points if you get the jacket personalized!

Blue light glasses/safety glasses. Nurses spend long hours staring at computer screens/charting. We also spend a lot of time at the bedside performing interventions that could potentially expose us to a lot of germs. A great gift would either be to get regular blue light glasses for all the time spent at the computer or a combination of blue light blockers/safety glasses like these.

Travel Nurses

Packing cubes/vacuum storage bags. It’s no secret that travel nurses do a lot of packing/moving. Why not get the travel nurse in your life something they can use often and they will be forever grateful for? Packing cubes and vacuum storage bags are great gifts and will help them stay organized every time they have to move!

Digital Photo Frame. Photos help you feel close to friends and family when you are physically far away from them, but traveling with dozens of picture frames can be difficult. Get your travel nurse a digital photo frame that can hold hundreds of photos in one, so they don’t have to worry about taking tons of individual frames.

Travel journal. A fun way to help keep track of all the adventures they will have on their assignments!

Portable battery. Bound to be either on the road or on an adventure, your travel nurse may run into a dead or dying phone battery or may need to charge their cameras up to capture their latest adventure. Portable batteries are so handy to have and should be on everyone’s wish list!

White Noise Machine. Sleeping in a new place can be noisy, especially if your travel nurse is asleep during the day. White noise machines are a great and thoughtful gift to help them get their Zs. Opt for one with an optional timer so they won’t have to worry about it going off in the middle of their sleep!

RV Travel Nurses

Propane Fire Pit. Part of the fun of being a full-time RVer is getting to feel like you are camping all the time. What gets you more in the camping spirit than a campfire? Some RV parks, however, do not allow your traditional wood-burning fire pits, so propane fire pits are a great gift for the RV travel nurse in your life!

Roadside Assistance Emergency Kit. When you have a full-time RV, you do a lot of driving. You never know when an emergency will happen, and it’s always good to be prepared.

Small space heater. RVs can get cold in the wintertime, and space heaters come in handy always! This is a relatively inexpensive yet thoughtful gift for the RV travel nurse in your life.

Harvest Hosts Membership. Harvest Host campgrounds are places RVers/van lifers can stay all over the country and are typically found at wineries, breweries, farms, and other unique places. In order to stay at these places, though, you need to be a member. This is a great gift to give the adventurous RV travel nurse, you know to give them a full year of cool overnight stays!

National Parks Pass. Give the RV travel nurse the gift of one year of free access to all the national parks in the United States with this awesome gift!

We hope you found this holiday gift guide helpful. Do you have any other ideas that we should include in our next holiday gift guide? Comment them below.

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Nurse First Travel Agency provided this article.

Travel nursing is a great career choice because it allows nurses to travel across the country or even around the globe. This job also offers flexible hours and the chance to earn extra income from home.

However, finding the perfect travel nurse housing rental isn’t always easy. You want to choose a place with good amenities, such as a pool, gym, laundry facilities, etc. Also, you don’t want to pay too much for rent.

Here are five things you should consider when searching for travel nurse housing rentals.

How Do Travel Nurses Find Housing?

Travel nurses often find themselves looking for affordable housing while working in a different city. While many travel nurse agencies out there specialize in providing housing for travel nurses, most aren’t very good at it. They usually just hand over a list of apartments or houses that they’ve found. This isn’t ideal because it doesn’t allow you to pick what works best for you.

However, there are agencies out there that do a better job. These agencies actually work directly with landlords and property managers, allowing them to make sure that the properties are safe, clean, and well-maintained. In addition, they’ll take care of everything for you, including finding you a roommate if necessary.

The downside is that these agencies charge a fee upfront. Some charge up to $1,500 per month, while others charge around $500 per month. But, depending on how much money you want to spend on rent, this could end up being a small price to pay.

3 Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Next Housing

1. Location

The location of your accommodation is important. Is it near public transportation? Are there good restaurants nearby? What are the crime stats like? Does it have a pool? How much does rent cost? These questions can help you determine whether or not a certain area is worth considering.

2. Amenities

If you end up choosing a house or apartment, make sure that it offers amenities that you’ll actually use. For example, do you really need a dishwasher? Will you actually cook meals there? Can you store luggage safely? Make sure you know what you’re getting into.

3. Safety

Safety is another factor to take into consideration. Some places are safer than others. Ask around to see how safe a neighborhood seems. Also, check online forums to see if anyone else has been robbed or assaulted while staying in a particular area.

7 Tips for Finding Travel Nurse Housing

1. Ask about security deposits

Most landlords require a security deposit ranging anywhere from $500-$1000, depending on where you live. Make sure you ask about it upfront. You don’t want to find out later that you’ve been charged too much.

2. Check references

Your landlord may provide references for previous tenants, but it’s always best to check online. If you find anything suspicious, you’ll know immediately. Ask around and find out what people think about the property manager and ask friends and family members if they’ve heard anything about the landlord. If there are many negative ones, it might mean that the landlord isn’t very trustworthy.

3. Find out about pet policies

Some properties allow pets; some do not. This is something to consider before signing a lease. If you plan on bringing your dog along with you, be sure to let your landlord know ahead of time so he/she can prepare accordingly.

4. Research Local Amenities

When searching for furnished housing rentals, one of the most important things to research is the neighborhood itself. Look for areas that offer amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, parks, etc. These are often considered “must haves” when moving to a new city.

5. Know what you’re paying for

It’s easy to get caught up in all the excitement when searching for an apartment, but you should also keep track of what you’re spending. Don’t sign a lease without knowing exactly how much you’re spending.

6. Do an inspection

Before you sign any paperwork, make sure that you inspect the place thoroughly. Look for things such as mold, leaks, and other potential problems. Don’t forget to look under sinks and behind appliances.

7. Consider Extended Stay Hotels

Extended-stay hotels are typically located near airports or major highways. They offer guests many of the same amenities as regular hotels, such as free Wi-Fi, cable TV, laundry facilities, and roomy suites. These hotels often feature kitchenettes, making it easy for travelers to cook meals or keep snacks handy.

While some travelers prefer the convenience of staying in one place for several days, others enjoy the freedom of being able to move around town without having to worry about finding a hotel. Extended-stay hotels make traveling easier for both types of people.

With a little planning, you can find an extended-stay hotel that suits your needs. Check out our guide to finding the best extended-stay hotels.

Conclusion

Finding travel nurse housing can be difficult, especially if you have no experience doing so. However, once you start looking, you’ll quickly realize that this type of accommodation doesn’t come along every day. Take advantage of these tips and tricks to help you find the perfect place to call home.

Traveling is fun, but it’s also stressful. There are so many different aspects to consider, but if done right, you can find the perfect home away from home!

Our job board is a great place to search for your next travel nurse assignment. We have you covered with our housing page if housing is an issue. You can search for what you are looking for.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Most experienced travel nurses would agree that when you are looking for housing it is easiest to find something that comes fully furnished. Whether you are renting a room in someone’s home or a more private space, ideally you won’t have to worry about bringing any linens, basic kitchen tools, or larger electronics like a TV. Most travelers typically prefer these fully furnished rentals because they don’t have to worry about overpacking their car or moving home items from place to place.

While some travel nurses will rent these types of spaces and can manage to pack everything into a suitcase or two, it can be nice to bring a few extra items to make your stay more comfortable. Here are five small items you can bring to make your thirteen weeks in a fully furnished rental just a little better.

1. Your Favorite Pillow

There is nothing like getting off from a stretch of three shifts, feeling dead tired, taking a nice hot shower, and curling up in your comfy bed. However, each person’s definition of “comfy” may be a little different. Landlords will typically provide a decent bed with all the necessary accompaniments, but obviously each individual will have different preferences for their sleeping arrangements. A pillow is great because it doesn’t take up much space, adds a homey touch, and helps make that much-deserved sleep after a long shift that much better.

2. A Good Kitchen Knife

If you enjoy cooking on your days off, most landlords provide basic pots and pans, utensils, and dishes in their furnished rentals. But no matter how nice the landlord and rental has been, I have yet to stay at a short-term rental with a decent (aka sharp) kitchen knife. Nicer knives are typically expensive, so this makes sense from a practicality standpoint. I simply bring my own medium-sized kitchen knife that I know will work for any of the basic cooking I need to do while on assignment.

3. Your Favorite Coffee Mug and Water Bottle

Keeping your coffee or tea hot for work is a must for most nurses, as is having a water bottle handy to attempt to stay hydrated during shifts. Personally, I love Yeti and Hydroflask products for both work and travel purposes. Since you won’t be stocking up on a bunch of different travel mugs or random water bottles, buy a good quality version of each and you’ll be set.

4. A Laptop Computer

Even if you use your phone for almost everything you do on the internet, as a travel nurse it is helpful to have at least a cheap laptop with you. First of all, some sites you may want to use don’t work well on mobile versions. Second, when you are doing onboarding or credentialing for future jobs you will likely need a laptop to manage paperwork, do online modules, or renew certifications. It is rare that your host will have a computer for you to use, so having one before you set out for your assignment will make your life that much easier in the long run.

5. A Pet Blanket or Bed

It can be hit or miss on whether or not landlords allow pets. If you choose to travel with a furry companion, keep in mind that your etiquette and consideration while living in a rental with your pet will likely directly affect whether or not pets are allowed in the future. Landlords may request that you avoid letting your animals on furniture if they are particularly worried about wear and tear. Regardless, it is courteous to bring some sort of cover for the furniture or bed for your pet. This will help contain any pet hair and saves you the trouble of having to lint roll like crazy before you leave to avoid extra cleaning fees.

Living in a furnished rental definitely cuts down on the amount of packing you will have to do prior to setting out for your travel assignment. This is great because it also cuts back on the number of trips you will have to make hauling things back and forth from your car. However, bringing a few extra items to make your space more comfortable or life a little easier is a great idea. Even if your job is “temporary,” three months is long enough to want to feel settled in and happy about your space.

We hope that you found these 5 things to pack for a fully furnished rental helpful. Do you have any other items to add to this list? Comment them below.

Bio:

Alex McCoy – Alex is a pediatric travel nurse and the content manager of Furnished Finder, the leader in affordable travel nurse housing, and is part of a travel healthcare duo. Married to her physical therapist high school sweetheart, Alex has a passion for the traveling healthcare worker. Click here to read more articles from Alex McCoy.

Common Housing Scams

The spoof ad can be a little harder to spot.

Identity theft ads

Landlords can also be victims of scammers as well.

Watch for these Housing Scam Red Flags:

1. A dramatic storyline.

2. Landlord is unable to meet in person.

3. Unusual communication hours.

4. Poorly written emails and European spellings.

5. They want you to wire funds.

6. They are using high-pressure sales tactics.

Tips for Avoiding Housing Scams

You can also do some sleuthing of your own

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

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Plug the city into the Housing Stipend Calculator.

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Should I Take Company Housing or the Stipend?

The Reality of Company Housing

Housing for Less Than Your Stipend

Landlords Typically Set Their Own Rent

Furnished Housing Vs. Corporate Housing

Traveling with a Pet

Use Pet-Friendly Filters When You Search

It is important to Contact the Landlord.

Bringing a Pet Can Come with Fees

There May be Breed, Weight, and Other Restrictions

Get a Reference From Your Previous Landlord

Send Photos

Securing a Lease

Pay Close Attention to the Details

Compare the Lease to the Listing

Avoiding Scams

Tips to Spot Scammers

Beware of Listings that Seem Too Good to be True.

Don’t Wire Money

Be on the Lookout for Constant Misspellings and European Spelling of Words

Stay away from landlords who can’t meet in person or provide a face-time walk-through.

Trust your Gut

Scammers like Desperation

Modern Payments

Extending a Contract

Opportunity to Explore

8 Things Travel Nurses Want Their Landlord to Know:

1. Safety

2. Affordable Housing

3. Utilities Included

4. Pet-Friendly

5. Location, Location, Location.

6. Parking and Laundry

7. Positive Reviews

8. Go the Extra Mile

Provide plenty of storage space.

Include Towels, Linens, Cleaning Supplies, and Other Essentials

Provide a Comfortable Bed

Create a Peaceful Environment

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

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