How to Find Corporate Housing

Corporate housing can be a good temporary solution when you're relocating or waiting for your permanent home to be built.

Things You'll Need

• Area Maps
• Yellow Pages
• Internet Access

Instructions

1. Assess your needs in terms of length of stay.

2. Determine your monthly budget, remembering that all utilities, except long-distance telephone costs, are included in most temporary-housing rates.

3. Make a list of important criteria such as number of bedrooms you'll require, proximity to schools, pet policies and amenities you desire.

4. Contact your employer's human resources department or look in the yellow pages for a list of corporate-housing firms or extended-stay hotels in the desired area. If you're looking for temporary housing in another city, use the Internet or contact that city's chamber of commerce for this information.

5. Call a corporate-housing specialist and describe your needs; make an appointment with the specialist to review options. Or, call the extended-stay hotels to determine which best meets your needs.

6. Meet with the corporate-housing specialist and tour your selections.

7. Choose the best option and rent the home or hotel suite.

Tips & Warnings

• Corporate housing includes apartments, houses and extended-stay facilities.

• Most large companies have arrangements with specific hotels or corporate-housing firms. Check with your employer.

• Many corporate-housing companies also help renters find doctors, dentists, hairstylists and other service providers.

• Corporate-housing companies usually have only weekly or monthly lease obligations. Beware of those that demand longer time commitments.

• Utilities, housecleaning service, dishes and linens are usually included in the corporate-housing rate. Specifically define all extras before signing a lease.