<div>Taking agency-provided travel nurse housing in your travel locale is never mandatory. You are always free to find your own rental, which might be a more suitable option if the agency’s accommodations don’t (or can’t) tick off all the items on your must-have list.</div><div></div><div><strong>Case in point:</strong> you plan to travel with your husband, two children and the family dog, but the agency travel nurse housing is too small for your needs and lacks ample green space. Or perhaps you are traveling to a coastal city and love the idea of settling into a charming beach rental rather than living in an agency apartment three miles inland. In these instances, finding your own place and using your housing stipend towards a private rental can be a great alternative. But if you go that route there are several important things to consider.</div><h2>Housing Stipends Might Not Cover Full Expenses</h2><div>Housing stipends often don’t cover the cost of short-term private rentals so you might need to kick in more of your own money or consider rolling into your travel allowance and/or any bonuses to pay the difference. However, if you are willing to make concessions and are okay with living on the cheap (say in an RV or renting a room in a private sublet), you might be able to find a place that costs less than your housing stipend—which leaves you more money to bank or spend enjoying your new city.</div><h2>Private Rentals can be Challenging to Secure</h2><div>Private rentals that meet all your needs can be harder to find in certain cities and, if you do find that perfect place, it can be double and triple the rent of agency housing. You will most likely be required to pay money up front including a security deposit. Familiarize yourself with the refund policy of the private rental company. In the event you need to cancel for any reason or are dissatisfied with the quality or safety of the accomodations you do not want to forfeit money paid.</div><div></div><div>On the plus side, that higher price tag might get you a fully-furnished house or apartment and provide amenities that might not be included in your standard housing package, such as dishes, linens, cleaning supplies, appliances, as well as utilities, cable and internet service. If you can swing it financially, this type of arrangement can be cost-effective.</div><h2>Assessing Risk</h2><div>Depending on the reason the contract was cancelled, Cross Country Nurses may still charge the HCP for the cost of housing for up to 30 days. All costs associated with a cancellation are not absorbed by CCTC.</div><h2>Single-Traveler Accommodations vs Multiple-Traveler Accommodations</h2><div>Agency-paid housing is typically geared for a single traveler (a one-bedroom apartment consisting of basic furniture), however, your agency might be able to set you up in a bigger or posher place if one is available within their network of housing providers. Bear in mind that a roomier place in a more upscale market can jack up the price, and that cost difference will be passed onto you as will any added costs for non-standard amenities. At the end of the day, if you compare the cost of a pricier private rental with that of upgraded agency housing, the cost-difference could be negligible.</div><h2>The Bottom Line</h2>
Choosing between agency-provided housing and a private rental is always your prerogative. Just make sure you thoroughly weigh the financial pros and cons (and evaluate the risk-reward ratio) for each option before deciding which one is right for you.
<h2>Have additional travel/ housing question?</h2>
Call 1.800.530.6125 and ask to speak to one of our talent acquisition specialists. Or browse our Travel Nursing Advice Blog for answers to more travel questions.

Accepting a Travel Assignment: Am I Required to Use Travel Nurse Housing or Can I Choose My Own Place?