Finding safe, comfortable, and affordable housing is one of the biggest challenges for any travel healthcare professional. Whether you’re a travel nurse, therapist, or allied health worker, securing a place to stay in an unfamiliar city requires careful research and preparation. Safety should always be a top priority, and with the right approach, you can avoid scams, unreliable landlords, and risky locations. Here are some key tips to ensure your housing experience is secure and stress-free.
Watch for Red Flags in Listings
When searching for short-term housing, be wary of listings that seem too good to be true. Scammers often target travelers by advertising properties at unrealistically low prices. Here are some of the top housing scams to look for:
- Vague or overly generic descriptions – If the listing lacks details about the neighborhood, amenities, or lease terms, it could be a scam.
- Poor images or stock photos – Reverse image search pictures to see if they appear on other sites. If so, the listing may not be legitimate.
- Requests for upfront payments – Legitimate landlords typically use secure payment methods or require deposits through a leasing agreement. Don’t succumb to needing to make a decision fast and feeling pressured to pay them to secure a property right away.
- Inability to view the property in person or via video tour – If the landlord refuses to show the rental before asking for payment, consider it a red flag.
- Rushed lease agreements – If you’re pressured to sign a lease immediately without reviewing the terms, take a step back and investigate further.
Vet Landlords and Rental Properties
Before committing to a rental, take the time to research both the landlord and the property. One of the best ways to do this is through reviews. Temporary housing websites like Furnished Finder or Airbnb allow tenants to leave reviews about their experience. Search through to see if a landlord has multiple complaints about maintenance issues or communication problems. If they do, you might want to consider a different property. If you don’t see any reviews, you can also ask the landlord for references! Asking for references from past tenants is not an outrageous request and doing so can help give you peace of mind.
When looking at an apartment complex or certain properties, do a little research on the rental management company in charge. You can do a quick Google search to see what pops up or check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating and get a fee for their online reputation.
You can also ask to tour the property, virtually or in person. While it can be hard to tour a property for your travel assignment, maybe there is someone close by you know who can check it out for you. Another option if you can’t see the property in person is to request a live virtual tour.
Consider Getting Renters Insurance
Even if you’re only staying in a rental for a few months, renter’s insurance can be an essential investment. A travel healthcare professional usually has expensive medical gear, laptops, and personal belongings that can be difficult to replace if stolen or damaged. With rental insurance, if your place gets broken into or damaged due to fire or water leaks, renter’s insurance can help replace your belongings.
Renter’s insurance can also help cover you if someone is injured in your rental helping you to cover legal and medical expenses. Policies can cost anywhere between $10–$30 per month, making it an inexpensive way to protect yourself.
Check Crime Reports
Before signing a lease, research crime statistics in your potential neighborhood. While an apartment might look perfect online, the surrounding area could have safety concerns. Here’s how to gather crime data:
- Use online crime mapping tools – Websites like SpotCrime or local police department databases provide crime rates and reports for specific areas.
- Talk to local law enforcement – If you’re unsure about a neighborhood’s safety, call the local police department for advice. Officers can provide insight into crime trends and safe areas to consider.
- Ask current residents – If possible, talk to neighbors or fellow healthcare travelers to get their perspective on the area’s safety.
Utilize Your Recruiter and Facility
Your recruiter and the facility where you’ll be working can be great resources for finding safe housing. Many recruiters can get you information on where previous travelers have stayed or provide you with housing resources to use. Facilities that have worked with travelers also have great insights into where they stay. They know the area well and can be a wealth of knowledge. It also never hurts to ask your recruiter if they can introduce you to fellow travelers who have worked in the same city. They can provide firsthand recommendations on safe and affordable housing.
Travel with Ventura MedStaff
Finding safe housing as a travel healthcare professional requires diligence, but by staying informed and cautious, you can be confident in your housing choices. Prioritizing safety ensures that you’ll have a comfortable and secure place to call home while focusing on your assignment. Connect with a recruiter today for more information and to get started on your next assignment.
