Things to Look For When Using Corporate Housing

Author:Jonathan Smith
Corporate Housing can be a great alternative to staying in a hotel, from both the comfort side of things, as well as the financial side of things. But there are some things you need to look out for.

Top 5 Things To Watch For:

1. Cleaning Fees.
Even if you leave your apartment in prestine condition, you need to know how much, if any, of your deposit is refundable. You also need to know if and how they bill you for "cleaning overages". Many corporate housing companies will simply just charge your card on file for hundreds more than the actual cost to clean your apartment.

2. Move Out / Vacate Notice Policy.
Need to stay an extra day? Look out for a huge daily rate increase. Many corporate housing companies will work with you on a couple extra days, and keep you rate prorated accordingly. Many, will not. I've heard horror stories of people paying $80 per day, and then extending for a week more, and getting hit with $150 (and higher) daily rates. Even if you think your move out date is firm, double check. Most of the time if a company will take advantage of you in one way, they will in others as well.

3. Hidden Fees.
Many times, if you are lucky, you will get your furnished apartment with all the amenities included in the price. Great! Other times, when you arrive, you realize you have to pay for parking, cable TV (some provide basic cable of only 20 some odd channels), rent to use the fitness center, pool passes, etc. Make sure everything you need is covered in the price.

4. Utility Caps & Overages.
If you don't know what your utility cap is, think twice before cranking on that AC. Even if you think $100 utility cap is decent, think again. Just because your power bill back in Ohio is $60 per month, doesn't mean your corporate apartment in Santa Monica isn't going to break the $200 mark. Watch out for the caps, they will dramatically increase the price.

5. Pets.
Everybody has a fury companion these days, and many housing complexes will take them. But expect to pay. Some corporate housing companies don't charge extra for a pet, and others charge a refundable deposit, on top of a non- refundable deposit, on top of a $100 extra month rent charge, on top of an extra $100 pet up front fee. Pet lovers beware.

Good luck with your travels...