When you travel for an extended stay, whether for business or pleasure, renting a corporate furnished apartment can be more convenient and far less expensive than booking an extended stay hotel. However, every landlord is different and every corporate housing company is different, and you may have to ask a few questions to make sure the lodging will meet your needs. Here are 10 important questions to ask when you rent a furnished apartment.
1. Is furniture included in the rent?
Just because the ad says it’s “furnished,” that doesn’t mean the quoted rent includes the furnishings. Some companies “bait” their customers by leading with the price of an unfurnished apartment, then including the furnishings as add-on expenses. You can get past this tactic by making this your very first question. You need a furnished place, so find out what it costs with the furniture in it.
2. What furniture is included?
The word “furnished” is not a universal term. To some agencies, “furnished” means a table and chairs, bed, lamps, TV, couch and not much else. Other companies create a fully furnished apartment experience with all necessities included, even down to the decorations. Make sure the advertised price includes at least enough furnishings to make your place comfortable, pleasant and usable. Corporate Housing providers often have the ability to change out bed types to fit your need.
3. Are accessories included as part of the furnishings?
For a truly comfortable living experience, you need more than a place to sit and a place to sleep. You need plates, cooking utensils, silverware, a mop, a vacuum cleaner, bath towels, etc. If the agency doesn’t make clear that these and other accessories are included, ask. Otherwise, you may be making a run to the store to get these things yourself.
4. May I have a list of included furnishings and accessories?
Even when a company provides full furnishings and accessories, there may be still something you need that isn’t included. You’re asking this question for two reasons: a) to find out if there’s anything else you need to bring with you; and b) as an inventory so you can make sure you don’t inadvertently take something with you when you leave.
5. Is there an extra security deposit for furniture?
Again, some companies separate their rent charges and their furnishing charges; same with the security deposit. Find out the true number so there are no surprises.
6. What utilities are already included?
Most furnished apartments include utilities like phone, cable and wifi as part of the rental cost; others do not. Find out from the agency or landlord which utilities come with the apartment and which ones (if any) you’ll have to set up for yourself. Also find out what level of cable is included and if the Internet speed matches your need.
7. Is there an additional charge for utilities?
This might sound like a repetitive question for number 6, but the fact that the utilities exist in the apartment doesn’t mean they are included in the rent! Make sure before you pick up the phone that they’re not charging you for phone calls, for example.
8. Can I choose furnishings?
Most furnished apartments come pre-furnished, like a hotel suite, where what you see is what you get. In other cases, you will be given a choice of furnishings. In still other cases, the agency may be able to get you a piece of furniture you need that isn’t already included. Ask how the company handles these details.
9. Will there be pickup/delivery of furniture, and how does that work?
If your apartment is strictly pre-furnished, this question is a non-issue. If, however, you’re choosing furnishings and/or mixing and matching, it’s important to know if drivers will install and assemble pieces, or if you’ll have to do some assembly yourself.
10. Any other costs I should know about?
You’d be surprised at how many hidden fees some companies hide in their agreements. Don’t be surprised. Ask up front for all costs to be disclosed before you sign.
If you’re looking for a high quality, comfortable furnished apartment in Atlanta, Georgia or Jacksonville, Florida, TP Corporate Lodging works with some of the finest apartment communities in both cities to provide fully furnished 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments for business travelers and extended stay guests. And furnished apartments are all we do, so you know it’s included in the price! To learn more and have all your questions answered, please give us a call today at 800.428.9997.