What to look for in a corporate housing provider

Even the most cursory internet search will show that there are hundreds of corporate housing providers out there all vying for your business. Not all of them are created equal, so how do you decide on which to work with?

Like most business decisions, it will likely come down to a mixture of features, benefits, value and gut feel. So what features and benefits should your corporate housing provider offer?

Location, location, location

A worthy provider will be able to offer a range of property types in all major metropolitan areas. That doesn’t just mean a couple of apartments in downtown metro areas, but outside the city, close to airports or in nicer areas of town. If that provider can also offer different property sizes and types to suit lone travelers or multiple employees, all the better.

Furnishing

Most corporate housing comes furnished but does the provider set everything up for you? Do they ensure the property is clean, tidy and ready for you to walk in an unpack? A worthy corporate housing provider will do everything they can to make your move as simple and as stress-free as possible.

Flexible leases

Before we offered corporate housing, we used it. A lot. One of the things that frustrated us most was the inflexibility of the industry. Leases were in 30 day blocks or nothing. That satisfies the need of the property owner, not the customer. Providers should be as flexible as possible and tailor leases and terms according to the needs of the client wherever possible.

All-inclusive rents

We all know how expensive and time consuming it is to move home and set up utilities. That’s why we offer fully inclusive rents in our corporate housing. We include all utilities, internet, satellite/cable if available and any other service you require into your rent. That means a single, predictable payment for the term of your lease.

It also means no hidden fees!

Service

It is easy to set up a website and offer an apartment to rent for corporate guests. It is much more difficult to set up a company with dedicated staff that respond to the needs of customers, work tirelessly to satisfy requirements and do whatever they can to make the trip work for everyone. I know which of these would offer the highest level of service and which I would rather work with!

Amenities

To help make working away from home a more enjoyable experience, corporate housing should include lots of modern amenities. From fitness centers to pools, secure parking to concierge services, the more you can offer your clients, the happier their stay will be.

Corporate housing that doesn’t feel like corporate housing

The final quality is more subjective but can make the biggest difference to your experience. We have all stayed in beige apartments with little or no personality and we didn’t like them. Corporate housing shouldn’t feel like what it is. It should look and feel like a home from home. Somewhere to be comfortable, to relax after a long day at work and to enjoy your time in a new city!