Corporate housing should simplify work travel—not create more problems. But without the right strategy, small booking decisions can turn into big headaches for HR, finance, and your employees. Meal expenses pile up, employees waste time commuting, and projects suffer as teams try to do real work with their laptops actually in their laps on couches in hotel lobbies.
The good news? You can avoid most issues if you know what to look for. Here are five common corporate housing mistakes—and what to do instead.
Mistake #1: Shopping for the lowest rate and calling it done.
It seems like a great rate, but at what cost?
Why it matters: The cheapest option on paper often creates the most friction in practice. When stays stretch into 30–90+ days, lack of space, limited amenities, and inflexible terms can affect how employees live, work, and recharge. What looks like a quick win for the budget can quietly lead to productivity issues, added expenses, and frustrated teams struggling to stay focused and comfortable.
How to fix it: Choose housing designed for longer stays—fully furnished apartments with real living space, full kitchens, in-unit laundry, and flexible terms. It can help reduce total cost of stay—and the right environment helps employees settle in quickly, maintain routines, and show up ready to do their best work.
Mistake #2: Booking what’s easily available instead of selecting based on key criteria.
Availability is not the same as suitability
Why it matters: Employees and employers identify different variables as being the most important. For example, commute time matters for most. Longer commutes cause stress and impact timelines, especially during temporary assignments.
How to fix it: Prioritize proximity to offices, hospitals, campuses, client sites, and transit. Work with a housing partner who understands commute patterns, can estimate drive times before you book, and has a track record of placing people where work happens. The same applies to walkability and many other variables.
Mistake #3: Not booking options that include utilities, Wi-Fi, parking, or cleaning expenses.
Hidden fees—the least popular amenity
Why it matters: The “lowest rate” often comes with hidden trade-offs. Surprise fees, inflexible terms, or poor locations can blow up budgets and internal reporting. Your teams need environments that work from the minute they open the door, so they don’t have to waste time setting up utilities or hunting down convenient, cost-effective parking.
How to fix it: Ask for all-inclusive pricing and a one-and-done invoice. Companies that simplify billing spend less time reconciling expenses—and more time focusing on team wellbeing. Seek out a housing provider with a reputation for providing on-call support and exceptional duty of care—your employees will thank you, and be more willing to accept future temporary assignment.
Mistake #4: Believing everything will run smoothly without local support.
Because someone needs to answer the phone
Why it matters: Housing isn’t just logistics. If something goes wrong, delays and confusing communication can stress out employees and slow timelines. Friendly local experts who can suggest a good restaurant or the best route to the airport help make unfamiliar surroundings feel manageable and more like a home away from home.
How to fix it: Choose a provider with boots-on-the-ground, local support who can assist with move-ins, maintenance, extensions, and last-minute changes in real time.
Mistake #5: Not thinking about the big picture.
One-off bookings can create ongoing problems
Why it matters: Inconsistent providers mean inconsistent experiences, and one-off bookings and rigid terms can send costs and problems spiraling. That’s both frustrating for employees and time-consuming for internal teams. Flexibility is your friend—don’t lock into rigid lease terms that can’t adapt to shifting timelines or priorities.
How to fix it: Work with a long-term housing partner who understands your business, scales across markets, and delivers consistency. Your team will be happier—and so will you.
Corporate housing isn’t just about where people sleep—it’s about how supported they feel while doing important work away from home. Avoid these five mistakes, and you’ll turn temporary stays into better experiences all around.
Stop managing housing mistakes. Start partnering with experts.
Work with National Corporate Housing to simplify extended stays, control total costs, and give your employees a place they can truly live and work.
Let’s build a smarter corporate housing program—together.