How to Provide Housing Assistance to Your Interns

Spring is always high time for companies to lock down summer interns. It’s also time to make sure your intern program covers more than just what they’ll do in the office. While your team is in the midst of vetting young applicants, you need to consider where your new out-of-town hires can comfortably live.

Housing is an all-important factor for young professionals. It can be daunting to find affordable, short-term housing in a new city, but where you stay can have a tremendous impact on the experience. So don’t lose that top talent to major competitors with short-term housing options. Whether you can provide fully paid housing or just the resources to find it, some type of housing assistance will set your company apart and help you attract the best recruits.

Not sure where to start? Here are some common questions (and our answers!) around intern housing to help you plan.

What are the common options for intern housing?

Interns can choose from short-term housing, subletting apartments, university dorms, room shares, or even extended stay hotels. Every option comes with its own pros and cons, but short-term housing has some unique advantages over the others.

Short-term housing providers cater to stays of just a few months, so they automatically include a list of conveniences. These units come fully furnished, complete with housewares, and setup utilities. Other amenities, like a full-sized kitchen and onsite gyms, help create a space that is more homey and private than alternatives. You can even find a housing provider that will tailor the lease and terms according to your needs.

Which features and benefits matter most?

Not all short-term housing providers provide the same standard of service and customization. These are the key factors you should consider to ensure your interns’ have a positive experience:

• Location – Quick and easy access to the office or worksite is key for interns, especially because some may not have cars or convenient transportation.
• All-inclusive rent – A lot of time and stress can be saved if furniture and utilities are already set up prior to arrival.
• Service – Housing providers should coordinate the entire process and any issues along the way for you. Don’t settle for anything less than stellar customer service.

How can you determine quality housing for your interns?

You can scour every online posting, search engine results, and other resources — or you can simply outsource the search and vetting process to a short-term housing provider. A company like Travelers Haven can send you the best options based on your interns’ needs, location, and preferences. Our team of experts can also provide the confidence and security of choosing from only quality, pre-vetted units. Avoid the scams and headaches of when housing goes wrong! 

Is intern housing tax-deductible?

Yes! Any employer-paid or employer-subsidized temporary housing (i.e. less than one year) is considered a business expense for the employer. Be sure to work with your internal accounting department to secure this write-off come tax season.