How to Find Housing as a Travel Healthcare Professional
By Mason Baker, The Travel DPT
Finding short-term housing as a travel healthcare professional can be overwhelming, especially when you're new to the world of travel assignments. From hidden fees to unreliable listings, it’s easy to make a few missteps early on. I’ve been there, and I want to share what I’ve learned so you can avoid the same pitfalls!
Airbnb vs. Furnished Finder
When I started traveling, I used Airbnb for my first travel PT contract. I knew it would be a safe and reliable starting point with verified listings and protections in place, which gave me some peace of mind as a first-time traveler. I also liked the flexibility of free cancellation. But I quickly realized that Airbnb’s extra service fees added up fast.
Later, I discovered Furnished Finder, and I wish I had known about it from the beginning. It’s designed specifically for traveling healthcare professionals such as nurses, PTs, OTs, and SLPs. The listings are typically more affordable, with fewer hidden fees, and many landlords understand the needs of someone on a 13-week contract.
To ensure the listing on Furnished Finder is legitimate and meets your expectations, always ask the landlord for a video call (like FaceTime) walkthrough of the property before booking. Ask to get a signed lease before paying anything. It’s a red flag if they ask for Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, or a wire transfer (especially if marked as “friends and family”). Most of the time there should be some kind of property management portal or website you pay through. Personally, I’ve never encountered a scam on the platform, but there are smart safety tips to take.
PRO-TIP
If a listing advertises an "entire place," make sure to clarify with the landlord that you will be the only tenant there during your stay. Sometimes, landlords rent out individual rooms or shared spaces, so it’s important to confirm you’ll have the place to yourself.
Be Careful with Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace
While it may be tempting to browse Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for quick housing leads, I recommend proceeding with caution or just avoiding them altogether. Scams are abundant on these platforms, especially when it comes to short-term housing.
Always compare prices to other listings in the area and understand the local rental market. If a listing seems too good to be true, it probably is. Scammers often target travel professionals because they know we’re looking for housing in unfamiliar places, often in a hurry. If you choose to use these platforms, be extra cautious and follow the same safety tips you'd use on more trusted sites like Furnished Finder.
Tips for Using Airbnb
If you decide to use Airbnb, it’s not necessarily a bad option. Here’s a tip: message the host directly and explain that you’re a healthcare traveler on a 3-month assignment. Ask if they offer discounts for longer stays. Some hosts are open to lowering their prices for reliable, long-term guests.
Also, look for listings with flexible cancellation policies and positive reviews from previous long-term renters. It may not be as budget-friendly as Furnished Finder, but it can work well with the right approach.
When Housing is Limited: Rural Assignments
It can be more difficult to find housing if you’re heading to a rural location, but don’t panic! Ask your recruiter if the facility has any housing leads. Some hospitals or clinics have internal housing options or can connect you with previous travelers who’ve been there. You can also post on travel nursing or therapy Facebook groups to see what others have done.
A less feasible option is calling local apartment complexes to ask about short-term or month-to-month leases. Some may be flexible, especially if they’ve worked with travel healthcare professionals before. Keep in mind, most of these places likely won’t be furnished.
Another fallback is reaching out to extended stay hotels. While usually less ideal due to cost and space, some hotels offer long-term stay rates that are more affordable than nightly rates.
Key Takeaways
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but in my experience, Furnished Finder is the most reliable and budget-friendly option for most travel healthcare professionals. Airbnb can work with negotiation, but watch out for hidden costs. And while Craigslist and Facebook might seem convenient, they come with higher risks. I’ve personally used Airbnb, Furnished Finder, and even one lead through the hospital I was assigned to.
Plan ahead, ask questions, and don’t hesitate to seek advice from your recruiter or fellow travelers. Finding housing doesn’t have to be stressful, but you do need the right tools and a little strategy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mason Baker is the founder of The Travel DPT (thetraveldpt.com), a platform he recently created to support travel physical therapists by providing valuable resources, guidance, and tools to help navigate the unique challenges of a travel-based healthcare career. Having been a travel PT since 2021, Mason draws from his own experience to help others find assignments, understand contracts, and maintain work-life balance while on the road."
