1. Emphasize Your Professional Status
Introduce yourself as a travel clinician—reliable, responsible, and typically gone most of the day. Highlight: steady income, low wear-and-tear, clean background, and willingness to provide references.
2. Offer Upfront or Lump-Sum Payment (with Protection!)
Offer to pay part or all of your stay upfront in exchange for a discount—but always request a written cancellation clause. Include: a refund or prorated return if your contract gets canceled early, reasonable notice terms (e.g., 14 or 30 days), and protection for unexpected assignment changes.
3. Be Flexible With Dates
Flexibility = leverage. Try adjusting your start or end date to match a landlord’s vacancy gaps. Mid-month and off-season start dates often get you better pricing.
4. Call Hotels and Extended Stays Directly
Skip online bookings—call and ask to speak with the Sales Manager. Explain you’re a travel clinician staying 30+ days and ask about medical/corporate discounts, better rates for low-occupancy rooms, and whether taxes are waived/refunded after 30 days.
5. Book Short-Term First, Then Go Local
Book a hotel or Airbnb for your first 1–2 weeks, then ask the front desk or hosts about rent-by-owner options, check facility bulletin boards and local ads, and connect with other travelers for referrals.
6. Use Travel Clinician Housing Platforms
Check out: Furnished Finder, Facebook Groups, Airbnb/VRBO (contact hosts directly), and extended stay hotel chains with medical/long-term discounts. Reminder: stays over 30 days often exempt you from lodging taxes—always ask or check the fine print.
7. Offer Value Beyond Rent
Can’t budge the price? Offer value in other ways:be flexible with move-out showings, promote their listing on your company’s internal job board, facility bulletin boards (with permission), and Facebook housing groups for clinicians.
8. Mention Repeat Business & Referrals
Let them know you may return for future contracts, you’re part of a network of travel clinicians, and you’re happy to refer others if your stay goes well.
9. Negotiate for Less If You Don’t Need Extrasily.
If the rental includes things you don’t need (e.g., Netflix, cable, linen or laundry service, daily/weekly cleanings, trash pickups, rooms service), ask to have them removed or reduced for a lower rate.
10. Reference Comparable Listings (Tactfully)
If similar listings nearby are cheaper, bring it up politely and ask if they can work with your budget. A respectful comparison can open the door to negotiation.
Bonus Message Template
Hi [Name], I’m a travel clinician taking an assignment at [Facility] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. Your place looks like a great fit—I wanted to see if you’d be open to a discounted rate for a 30+ day stay. I can pay upfront and provide references, and I’d be happy to share your rental on our company housing board and clinic bulletin boards for future guests. I’d also need a cancellation clause in case my contract changes. Let me know if that’s something we could discuss—thanks so much!
