For travel nurses, finding comfortable, convenient, and affordable accommodations is a crucial part of every assignment. With contracts typically lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months, a short-term rental offers the perfect balance of home-like comfort and flexibility. But knowing what to look for and how to book the right rental can make all the difference in ensuring a stress-free and seamless stay. Here’s everything you need to know about booking a short-term rental as a travel nurse.
Why Short-Term Rentals Are Ideal for Travel Nurses
Unlike hotels, which can feel impersonal and expensive over time, short-term rentals provide a fully furnished, comfortable living space that feels more like home. With features like full kitchens, in-unit laundry, and dedicated living areas, they offer the convenience and privacy needed for travel nurses to relax between shifts. Additionally, short-term rentals often provide better pricing options for extended stays, making them a more cost-effective solution than hotels or corporate housing.
Booking Directly Can Save You Hundreds
While booking through third-party sites like Airbnb or VRBO is common, booking directly through a short-term rental company can save you hundreds of dollars in service fees. Many platforms add up to an additional fifteen percent in fees, which can add up quickly over an extended stay. By cutting out the middleman, you’re often able to secure lower rates, better customer service, and more flexible booking options. Additionally, some companies, like BCA Furnished Apartments, offer exclusive discounts for travel nurses who book directly. This can lead to significant savings over the course of your assignment, allowing you to allocate more of your stipend toward other expenses.
Look for Rentals Offering Monthly Rates
Many short-term rental companies provide discounted rates for month-long stays, which is ideal for travel nurses whose assignments typically last eight to thirteen weeks. These monthly rates can be substantially lower than nightly or weekly pricing, making them a much more economical option. Always ask about extended stay discounts and whether rates are flexible based on your contract length.
Know When You’re Eligible for Tax-Free Stays
In some cities, stays over ninety-one nights are considered tax-free from day one. This can result in savings of two hundred fifty dollars$250 or more per month, significantly reducing overall housing costs. If you anticipate needing a rental for more than three months, check the local tax regulations to see if you qualify for this benefit. A reputable short-term rental company will help you navigate tax-free eligibility, ensuring you maximize your savings.
Check the Cancellation Policy for Flexibility
As a travel nurse, your schedule can change unexpectedly due to contract extensions, cancellations, or reassignments. That’s why having a flexible cancellation policy is essential. Before booking a rental, carefully review its cancellation terms to ensure they align with the unpredictable nature of travel nursing.
For example, at BCA Furnished Apartments we offer a seven-day notice cancellation policy, allowing you the flexibility to adjust your stay as needed without financial penalties. This kind of policy ensures that if your contract changes, you won’t be stuck paying for unused rental time.
Prioritize Location Near Your Facility
Commuting after a long shift can be exhausting, so choosing a rental close to your assigned facility is key. Before booking, consider the proximity to the hospital or medical center, ensuring that your rental is within a short drive or easily accessible by public transit. Research local traffic to ensure your commute is manageable, especially for night shifts.
Safety is another important factor, so look for areas that are well-lit, secure, and have nearby amenities. BCA Furnished Apartments offers rentals in Atlanta’s Midtown and Buckhead neighborhoods, placing you close to major hospitals and medical centers while providing a comfortable and secure place to call home.
Read Reviews and Look for Owner Responses
Before committing to a rental, take the time to read reviews from past guests, particularly other travel nurses. Pay attention to details about cleanliness and maintenance of the property, noise levels, and whether the rental is in a quiet area. Compare the accuracy of listing details to the actual stay experience and note the responsiveness of the owner or property manager. A reputable short-term rental company will actively respond to reviews, addressing concerns and ensuring guests have a great experience. If you notice a pattern of unresolved complaints, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Book Your Stay with BCA Furnished Apartments
When looking for a fully furnished short-term rental in Atlanta, BCA Furnished Apartments is the perfect solution for travel nurses. Our apartments provide spacious, comfortable living with all the amenities you need, including fully equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi, HDTVsRoku HDTVs, and in-unit laundry. If you’re a travel nurse searching for the perfect short-term rental, book your stay with BCA Furnished Apartments today and experience the comfort of a home away from home!