Temporary housing: checklist before booking

Temporary housing is suitable for situations where you need a functional home for a fixed period but do not want to build your everyday life around a hotel room or an empty rental apartment. The need may be related to renovation, moving, a work assignment, studying or a changed family situation.

Finding a suitable home is easier when you assess it through the lens of an ordinary day. Before booking, you should check the period, layout, sleeping arrangements, cooking, laundry, working, location, total price and change conditions.

1. Determine what situation you need the home for

First, write down why temporary housing is needed and who will live there. A one-person work assignment, a family's renovation project and two adults moving to a new city place different demands on a home.

Answer at least these questions:

Who will live in the home and for how long?
Is a separate bedroom or multiple beds needed?
Will you work remotely in the apartment?
Will you usually prepare food there?
Is parking, an elevator or space for children's belongings needed?
Is a pet coming along?

Do not judge suitability based solely on the number of people. The layout, placement of the beds and the possibility of having your own peace and privacy affect how well the apartment works for several weeks.

2. Confirm the dates and the flexibility you need

Distinguish between the confirmed start date, the estimated end date and any flexibility buffer. If, for example, the renovation or moving schedule may change, ask before booking whether the stay can be extended and when the extension must be agreed upon.

The possibility of an extension does not automatically mean that the same home will be available. Ask for written information on how the availability and price of additional nights will be confirmed. Also find out what happens if you no longer need the apartment for the entire originally estimated period.

If this is an accommodation booking, check the booking and cancellation terms particularly carefully. The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority's accommodation service guidance reminds you to check the dates, the contracting party and the contact person, and to note that accommodation booked for a specific period does not have the same automatic 14-day cancellation right as many online purchases.

3. Check that the apartment works for everyday life

A good temporary home is not just a furnished space. It must support the things you do every day.

Sleeping. Check the number, size and placement of the beds. If there are several residents, also assess privacy and the compatibility of evening routines.

Cooking. Find out whether there is a kitchen or kitchenette, sufficient cold storage, and the dishes and cooking utensils you need.

Laundry. Check whether the washing machine is in the apartment, in a shared laundry room or elsewhere. For longer stays, it is also worth finding out about drying clothes and changing bed linen.

Working. If you work in the apartment, make sure that, in addition to internet access, there is a desk, chair, lighting and a space suitable for video calls. A simple Wi-Fi mention does not indicate how well the apartment is suited to a full working day.

Storage. Reserve space for clothes, suitcases, work equipment and everyday items. Photographs do not always show how much storage space is actually available, so ask separately if necessary.

4. Assess the location through your own routes

Check the journeys to the places you actually visit: your workplace, campus, daycare, school, relatives and grocery store. Try the route using the modes of transport and at the times you would use on an ordinary weekday.

Drivers should confirm the location and price of the parking space and whether it requires a reservation. Public transport users should check connections both in the morning and evening. A central location is not necessarily the best option if your daily journeys head elsewhere.

If you are looking for a temporary home in Turku or Pori, compare Mera's homes based on your own routes and space requirements.

5. Compare the price for the entire period

Ask for the price for the entire period and for the correct number of residents. At the same time, find out which services and costs are included in the price.

The comparison may include, for example:

electricity, water and internet
bed linen and towels
final or interim cleaning
parking
any deposit
extra beds or other additional services.

The contents depend on the property and the agreement. Do not assume that the same thing is always included in the price or that a furnished apartment is automatically cheaper than a hotel. The guide to the price of a furnished apartment helps you compile a comparison using the same components.

If your employer pays for the accommodation, confirm the billing address, payment schedule and required receipts in advance. When planning accommodation arranged for an employee, you can also use the checklist for an employee's company-leased apartment.

6. Agree on arrival and communication

Before moving day, make sure you know how the keys will be handed over, when you can access the apartment and where you can get help in case of problems. If you arrive late or have a lot of luggage, check access to the apartment in advance.

Record any deficiencies when you arrive and report them promptly to the accommodation provider. Keep the important terms and contact details saved throughout the stay.

7. Make the decision based on one ordinary day

Imagine one ordinary weekday in the apartment from morning to evening. Where will you sleep, eat, work, store your belongings and spend your free time? If any essential part remains unclear, ask about it before booking.

A good decision is not based on the longest list of amenities but on whether the home meets the needs of your particular situation. Finally, check:

dates and change conditions
number of residents and beds
kitchen, laundry and storage
working and internet access
daily journeys
total price for the entire period
arrival and contact person.

For stays of at least 28 nights, Mera recommends getting in touch to find a suitable home and services. Explore longer stays or send your accommodation request with the dates, number of residents and your most important needs. Availability and price will be confirmed separately.

Image: Mera, Kakola Tower. Learn about Mera.

Frequently asked questions

What is temporary housing?

Temporary housing is a home rented or booked for a fixed period, for example during a renovation, move, work assignment, studies or another changed life situation.

What should you check before booking temporary housing?

Check the period and change conditions, number of residents, beds, kitchen, laundry, working arrangements, storage, location, total price, arrival and contact person.

Can a temporary housing booking be extended?

An extension depends on availability and the agreed terms. Before booking, ask when the extension must be agreed upon and how the price of additional nights will be confirmed.

Is temporary housing suitable for remote work?

It can be suitable if the apartment has a reliable internet connection, a desk and chair suitable for working, sufficient lighting and a space suitable for video calls. Check these details for each property.