When businesses need to house employees for extended travel, training, or short-term projects, leasing an apartment might seem like a cost-effective solution. After all, it offers a homely space, privacy, and the chance to avoid nightly hotel rates. But beneath the surface, leasing comes with a tangle of logistical headaches, hidden costs, and risks that can quickly outweigh the benefits — especially for busy travel managers and relocation coordinators.
Let’s unpack the common pain points and hidden costs of leasing for corporate stays, and explore smarter alternatives for modern business travel.
The Pain Points of Leasing Apartments for Employee Travel
1. Time-Consuming Setup
Leasing an apartment isn’t a plug-and-play solution. You’ll need to:
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Vet landlords and properties
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Handle deposits, references, and credit checks
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Furnish the space (if it’s unfurnished)
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Set up utilities, broadband, and council tax accounts
For travel managers or HR teams juggling multiple bookings, this admin load can become a full-time job.
2. Rigid Contracts and Lack of Flexibility
Most leases require a minimum stay (often 6 or 12 months), which doesn’t align with typical project timelines or short-term assignments. Early termination clauses may involve hefty penalties, and subletting is rarely an option.
3. Employee Experience and Duty of Care Concerns
Corporate travellers expect a certain standard of convenience and comfort. Leased apartments often lack:
- Consistent quality such as worn furniture, broken appliances etc
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Weekly cleaning or linen changes
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24/7 support
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Secure check-in processes
- No health and safety checks such as fire blanket, smoke alarms
This creates potential gaps in your duty of care obligations — especially for international staff unfamiliar with the local area.
4. Lack of Predictability for Bookers
Each lease can differ wildly in terms, inclusions, and payment timelines. Budgeting becomes a challenge, particularly when factoring in unplanned maintenance, furniture purchases, or utility overages.
Hidden Costs That Erode Your Budget
Many companies lease apartments thinking they’ll save money. But once you account for these hidden costs, the reality looks very different:
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Furniture and appliance purchases (or short-term rental fees)
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Utility setup and monthly bills (often more expensive on short-term tariffs)
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Cleaning services (either external or arranged ad hoc)
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Council tax and TV licenses
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Deposit losses due to wear and tear
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Vacancy periods between projects, where the apartment sits unused but still incurs rent
These costs add up quickly — and they’re rarely visible in the initial leasing decision.
A Better Option: Serviced Apartments
For companies looking for flexibility, convenience, and cost control, serviced apartments offer a superior alternative.
What are serviced apartments?
They’re fully furnished, ready-to-move-in accommodation designed for short to medium stays. Think of them as a hybrid between a hotel and a private apartment — but with the best of both worlds (and without the unexpected surprises).
Benefits for travel managers and bookers:
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All-inclusive pricing: Rent, bills, Wi-Fi, cleaning, and support rolled into one predictable cost.
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Flexible terms: Stay lengths from a few nights to several months, with easier extensions or early check-outs.
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Streamlined booking: One point of contact, instant availability, and no need to negotiate individual leases.
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Consistent standards: Professional management ensures a comfortable, safe environment for employees.
Explore more benefits of booking serviced apartments for travel managers and bookers here.
Benefits for employees:
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More space and privacy than a hotel
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Kitchen facilities and laundry for home-style living
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Central, safe locations near business hubs
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Weekly cleaning and support on hand
Explore more benefits of booking serviced apartments for corporate travellers here.
Summary
Leasing apartments for employee travel might have been the go-to option in the past, but in today’s fast-moving business world, it’s often more hassle than it’s worth. From hidden costs to inflexible terms and complex admin, it rarely delivers the value or experience companies expect.
Serviced apartments offer a smart, scalable, and traveller-friendly alternative. Whether you’re housing an assignee for three weeks or relocating a team for a three-month project, they take the stress out of accommodation — so your people can focus on their work, not where they’re staying.
Need help sourcing serviced apartments in London or across the UK?
We work with corporate travel teams, HR professionals, and relocation managers to find all-inclusive, fully vetted accommodation — without the lease headaches.
Contact us to simplify your next booking.
