Temporary Housing - What to expect?
What is temporary housing?
People need temporary housing for many reasons. Often it’s by choice and sometimes, as a necessity, which we are becoming increasingly familiar with, here in Southern California. The tragic wildfires in Los Angeles have brought this ever more into focus. Whether it’s referred to as temporary housing, furnished rentals, corporate accommodation or mid-term rentals, it’s been around as an industry for a long time and it essentially offers the same thing. Fully furnished accommodation, rent that includes your utilities, internet, gardening etc, and a stay that is usually for several week or even months.
Who uses temporary housing?
Temporary homes are needed under many circumstances — here are some of the main categories
Insurance displacement. As a result of a catastrophic event in someones home or neighborhood, e.g flood, fire, storm damage or other natural disasters etc, your home may no longer be habitable. Insurance coverage can provide for additional living expenses (ALE) that will cover the cost of housing you somewhere else until repairs/rebuilding allows you to move back home;
Personal relocation. Before committing to a long-term option it can be very useful to experience and research new neighborhoods to decide if it’s the right place to settle. Even if moving locally, there may be a mismatch in timing between selling your own home and being able to move into a new one. In these instances interim fully furnished accommodation can fill that need;
Corporate relocation/work assignments. Employees may be asked to fulfill their roles in a different place for a particular contract length or project duration. Moving will not be permanent but temporary housing allows a home living environment during that time;
Home remodeling. Local homeowners undertaking major renovation projects may render it impractical to stay in their own homes during construction;
Traveling health professionals. Traveling nurse contracts, locum doctors and other clinicians fulfill an important local need within our communities. Fully furnished rentals allow them to be comfortable during that time;
Military personal, often stationed for specific periods and require off base accommodation for themselves and their dependents.
Digital Nomads. The rise in remote working capabilities has opened up the opportunity to live in different places and experience different lifestyles.
Who provides temporary housing?
Temporary housing providers can range from large businesses that own and operate hundreds of units to independent landlords who may use part of their own home to provide single room accommodation. In between is a growing sector of small and medium size independent operators that are professionalizing the business providing high quality accommodation with more standardized practices.
Common features of temporary housing
Not every rental will be handled the same but these are common features you can expect in a temporary housing arrangement
Stays will usually be a minimum of 30 days (stays for shorter periods generally fall under the category of short-term rentals - think traditional Airbnb);
You may be asked to sign a lease. There may be a fixed initial term e.g 3 months and then month to month thereafter;
In advance of signing a lease, you may be asked to complete verification/background checks/credit checks;
You may be asked to provide a refundable security deposit and/or other forms of damage waiver;
To accommodate pets, you may be asked to provide an additional refundable pet deposit or one-off pet fee;
A check-out cleaning fee;
You may be required to provide proof of renters insurance;
Your rent will be inclusive of utilities, wi-fi, trash, gardening, pool maintenance etc. It may also include a periodic clean (especially common with pets);
Your accommodation will come fully furnished and decorated with all the equipment and amenities needed to live and operate as if living in a regular home. You should find essential starter supplies (toilet rolls, basic toiletries, cleaning materials, essential kitchen supplies etc.). Once used up you will be responsible for replenishing what you need;
Most homes come with smart TV’s and you will likely log in with your own accounts.
Final thoughts!
Whatever the circumstances around your temporary housing needs, it’s good to ensure you find a good match. Albeit temporary, it’s important that your home provides you with the amenity, comfort, space and quality of living environment that allows you to focus on the other aspects of your life, family and work. Good communication between landlord and tenant and a mutual respect of the rules and expectations of living in the home will make for a great experience.
If you’re in search of temporary housing in the Temecula area of CA, we’d love to support you in your needs. Connect with us at www.temeculatemphousing.com
Julia Robberts