How to Find Travel Therapy Housing for Your Next Job
Introduction
Hey there, fellow travel enthusiast! I’m Julia, a seasoned traveling speech-language pathologist who has been exploring the U.S. since 2009. Today, I want to delve into one of the biggest challenges faced by traveling therapists – finding suitable housing. Join me as I share some valuable insights and tips on navigating the housing landscape as a traveling therapist.
Agency-Provided Housing vs. Housing Stipend
One of the key considerations for traveling therapists is how to secure housing during their assignments. There are two main options available – agency-provided housing or a housing stipend. Agency-provided housing involves your agency taking care of finding a place for you to stay, while a housing stipend allows you to find housing independently and potentially save money in the process.
Where to Find Housing
When it comes to finding housing as a traveling therapist, there are several avenues you can explore. Websites like Furnish Finder, Airbnb, VBRO, Healthcare Travelers, and Landing cater to healthcare professionals seeking short-term accommodations. Additionally, realtors, word of mouth recommendations, and extended stay hotels can also be viable options for securing temporary housing during your assignments.
Important Considerations
As you navigate the housing market as a traveling therapist, it’s crucial to pay attention to certain key factors. Make sure to review the terms of your lease or housing contract carefully, ensuring that you have the flexibility to exit the agreement if your assignment is canceled. Clarify any specific rules or restrictions with your landlord, such as pet policies or guest regulations, to avoid any misunderstandings during your stay. Lastly, when providing a security deposit, document the condition of the property to protect yourself from potential disputes over damages.
Questions
1. How can traveling therapists benefit from securing their own housing arrangements?
Traveling therapists can potentially save money by finding their own housing, as they can keep any leftover housing stipend funds that would have otherwise been used by the agency for agency-provided housing.
2. What are some reputable websites that traveling therapists can use to find short-term accommodations?
Websites like Furnish Finder, Airbnb, VBRO, Healthcare Travelers, and Landing are popular platforms that connect healthcare professionals with landlords offering short-term rental options.
3. Why is it important for traveling therapists to review the terms of their housing contracts carefully?
Reviewing housing contracts ensures that therapists have the flexibility to exit the agreement if their assignment is canceled, preventing potential financial repercussions.
4. What should traveling therapists clarify with their landlords before moving into a new rental property?
Therapists should clarify any specific rules or restrictions with their landlords, such as pet policies, guest regulations, or curfews, to avoid conflicts during their stay.
5. How can traveling therapists protect themselves when providing a security deposit for a rental property?
To protect themselves, therapists should document the condition of the property with a video walkthrough when moving in, to avoid being wrongly charged for damages upon departure.
