What Travel Nurses Look For in a Rental

Understanding the Travel Nurse Lifestyle

To attract travel nurses, you first need to understand their world. A travel nurse typically works 13-week contracts (about 3 months) at hospitals across the country. They work intense 12-hour shifts — often nights and weekends. They move to a new city with little time to get settled. They are paid well but are watching every dollar because housing costs come directly out of their stipend.

They are not vacationers. They don't need luxury. They need reliability, comfort, and convenience. If your property delivers on those three things, you will have no trouble filling it.

Priority #1 — Proximity to the Hospital

This is the single most important factor for most travel nurses. After a 12-hour night shift, the last thing anyone wants is a 45-minute commute. Travel nurses consistently prioritize location above almost everything else.

As a rule of thumb, properties within 10–15 minutes of the assigned hospital are significantly easier to book. Properties within 5 minutes are premium and can command higher rates.

What this means for you:Always include distance and drive time to nearby hospitals in your listing. If you're near a major medical center, lead with that. On RealCo, distance is automatically calculated and displayed on every listing card.

Priority #2 — Price Within Their Stipend

Travel nurses receive a housing stipend from their agency — typically ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per month depending on location. They want to stay within or under this stipend so they can keep the difference as tax-free income.

This means pricing matters enormously. A property priced at $2,800/month in a market where stipends average $2,200 will sit empty. Research what travel nursing agencies pay for housing stipends in your area — this is your target price range.

What this means for you: Price competitively for your market. Factor in utilities — all-inclusive pricing (rent + utilities) is very attractive to nurses because it makes budgeting predictable.

Priority #3 — Move-In Ready and Fully Furnished

Travel nurses arrive in a new city with suitcases, not furniture. They need to be productive at work from day one and don't have time to shop for household essentials. A property that is genuinely move-in ready — with everything from towels to a coffee maker — is worth significantly more to them than a partially furnished unit.

“Fully furnished” means different things to different landlords. To a travel nurse it means: beds with sheets, kitchen with cookware and dishes, bathroom with towels, living room with seating and TV, and all the small things (hangers, trash cans, toilet paper).

Priority #4 — Fast and Reliable Wi-Fi

This comes up in virtually every travel nurse housing review. Nurses use Wi-Fi for completing patient documentation, communicating with their agencies, video calls with family, and unwinding after shifts. Slow or unreliable internet is a deal-breaker.

Include your Wi-Fi speed in your listing. If you have fiber internet, say so. If your building has spotty coverage in some rooms, be honest about that — nurses appreciate transparency.

Priority #5 — In-Unit Laundry

Nurses go through scrubs quickly. They work odd hours. Going to a laundromat is not a viable option for most. In-unit washer and dryer is one of the most requested amenities in travel nurse housing — and one of the easiest ways to justify a higher monthly rate.

If you don't have in-unit laundry, a clean and accessible shared laundry room in the building is acceptable — but make sure to mention it clearly and note the hours it's available.

Priority #6 — Safety and Security

Travel nurses are often women, often alone in a new city, often arriving home at midnight or 5am after a night shift. Safety is a top priority — not just physical safety, but the feeling of safety.

Good exterior lighting, secure door locks, a safe neighborhood, and clear emergency contacts all contribute to a nurse feeling comfortable in your property. If your building has a doorman, security cameras, or a gated entrance, highlight these features.

Priority #7 — Parking

Most travel nurses drive to their assignment. They need to park safely and conveniently — ideally included in the rent. Dedicated, covered, or secured parking is a premium feature. Street parking with restrictions or expensive parking garages are negatives.

Always be explicit about parking in your listing. Include how many spaces, whether it's included, where it is, and any restrictions.

What Travel Nurses Don't Care As Much About

Equally important is knowing what NOT to over-invest in:

• High-end decor — clean and functional beats stylish every time
• Smart home features — nice to have, not a priority
• New appliances — reliable matters more than new
• Large square footage — nurses are rarely home enough to use large spaces
• Outdoor space — appreciated but not a deciding factor for most

Spend your budget on the things that matter: quality mattress, fast internet, in-unit laundry, and making the space feel complete and welcoming.

The Power of Reviews

Travel nurses talk to each other — constantly. They have Facebook groups with hundreds of thousands of members where they share housing recommendations and warn each other about bad landlords. One great tenant experience can generate referrals. One bad experience can follow you for years.

Respond to messages quickly. Be flexible with check-in times. Fix issues fast. Be the landlord you'd want if you were moving to a new city alone.