Renting accommodation to workers is not yet as profitable as tourist rentals, but it is less organizationally demanding, considering that renting to tourists involves more frequent guest changes. Tourist apartments need to be cleaned and prepared every few days between arrivals. Workers, on the other hand, stay long-term because they move to the area in search of work, and they usually rent through their company, often near their workplace. In this article, we will focus on how to prepare accommodation for arriving workers and the differences between tourist rentals and worker rentals. If you are a landlord, stay with us and find out all the necessary information about preparing your accommodation.

Cleanliness and Functionality

Whether it’s domestic or foreign workers, cleanliness, tidiness, and the functionality of the space will be of utmost importance, especially since multiple people will be staying at once. It is crucial to clean and arrange everything thoroughly, as this will leave a positive impression on the workers. This is also important for potential long-term collaboration with the company or their employer if they need accommodation for additional employees.

Start by removing anything that could bother the workers. Ensure clean bedding and hygiene supplies, and it’s smart to keep spare supplies of bedding and essentials in case of unexpected situations. Naturally, it is important to vacuum the space, dust, wash dishes and windows, thoroughly clean the bathroom from the shower to the sink, and tidy all other rooms and hallways to make a good first impression.

Since this is often a long-term stay compared to tourist rentals, special attention should be paid to the installations. Everything must be functional, and minor repairs will likely be needed, covering various tasks. For example, electrical issues such as fixing outlets or switches, TV setup, replacing worn-out or weak light bulbs, and so on.

Check that the boiler, heaters, or refrigerator are working and that Wi-Fi is functional. Other things to review include wall damage, the quality of cabinets and drawers, whether doors or windows need repairs, and if door handles are properly secured, among other details.

Before the Workers Arrive

You have rented out the space and are now expecting the workers to arrive. The morning before their arrival, check everything again and turn on the heating to warm up the accommodation. Write short and clear house rules and display them in a visible spot for the workers. It’s a good idea to make the rules bilingual – Croatian and English – if you accept both domestic and foreign workers. Include a “No Smoking” sign in the property.

If the workers have their own vehicles, address parking. Provide clear instructions on availability and usage of parking spaces for all their vehicles.

Since the workers will be located nearby, it’s also helpful to introduce them to the neighbors in the area. Answer any questions they may have, because the satisfaction of both guests and local residents is important.

Arrival of the Workers

When renting to a company, it is important to communicate responsibly and professionally at all times. Confirm the workers’ arrival time and note that a company representative will likely be present during the first visit. Make sure to greet them punctually, as this reflects your reliability as a landlord.

Introduce the workers to the accommodation, which is a key step – communication with those staying in the property should be clear but also personal. Leave the impression that you are happy to have them and available for any questions or concerns.

You can also guide them regarding nearby amenities. For example, inform them about bakeries, mini-markets, supermarkets, laundries, car washes, etc. You can also provide city guides or direct them to the local municipal office to help them navigate the area more easily.

During Their Stay

Your responsibilities do not end once the workers settle in. Maintain communication with the company regarding any incidents, changes, malfunctions, or repairs. This may include interventions late at night, during the night, or early in the morning, so always be ready to respond. Keep contact details for all maintenance personnel and maintain a record of any changes in the property. Malfunctions should be addressed as quickly as possible, and repairs organized in consultation with the company and the workers.

Cleaning should be arranged in agreement with them. Always respect the workers’ privacy and show that you trust them.

Differences Between Tourist and Worker Rentals

Compared to tourist rentals, in worker accommodations, you may not be able to carry out all planned renovations. Tourist rentals are often seasonal, giving owners several months to prepare. This is sometimes not the case with worker rentals, as one group of workers may leave while another immediately arrives. Minor and necessary improvements can be made, but larger, more complex, and less urgent works may not be possible. In such cases, you can ask the company and workers about their satisfaction and show that you care about their well-being.

If you are undecided between renting to tourists or workers, we recommend choosing workers. As mentioned in the introduction, tourist rentals are more dynamic and organizationally demanding, requiring constant attention to cleanliness and occupancy. Worker rentals offer more stable occupancy and the possibility of establishing long-term collaboration with companies.

Conclusion

Renting accommodation to workers is an organizationally complex task, but first impressions are crucial for both the workers and the company renting the space. Ensure everything is clean and functional, and maintain clear, simple communication. Communication does not stop once the workers move in; it is often daily, so be available and ready to solve any issues that arise during their stay.

If you want to rent your accommodation to workers, contact us at +385 99 500 7978 or info@smjestajradnika.hr.