Intro:
Here’s the thing about a home away from home: it should still feel like home.
Transferred to San Antonio for a temporary work assignment?
Relocated and are living in corporate housing until landing on a long-term rental solution?
If you’re having issues with your corporate housing, take heart. We’ve got some ideas that can help.
But before we get into it, let’s take a look at how Texas defines and regulates short-term rentals.
Texas and San Antonio Short-Term Rentals
Texas doesn’t yet have clear laws governing short-term rentals, and generally lets city and county governments decide.
San Antonio classifies and defines short-term rentals as,
“a residential dwelling unit, apartment, condominium, or accessory dwelling (refer to Sec. 35-101A) where sleeping areas are rented overnight to guests for less than 30 consecutive days (but not less than 12 hours). There are two types of STRs:
Type 1 – primary residence of the owner of operator. This applies to primary and accessory dwelling units.
Type 2 – property is not occupied by owner or operator requires that all short-term rental properties obtain a permit before they are authorized to rent their property.”
Corporate housing falls under the short-term rental umbrella, and unlike typical landlord tenant situations, it can be tricky knowing what your rights are, and what to do if there are problems.
Clarify the Problem
First and foremost, you need to clarify the issue – what’s wrong; what are you experiencing, and what do you think needs to be fixed?
Were you told one thing, and arrived to discover something else entirely?
Are appliances malfunctioning or not working at all?
Do there appear to be roaches or some other bug infestation, or is the place just plain dirty?
Take pictures and document what you’re dealing with as best you can.
If you have something in writing that clearly shows the discrepancy between what you were told you’d get and what you actually got, great. Make sure to include it.
You want to be clear and concise about the issue, and provide any relevant supporting proof.
Contact Management
Your next steps will be to contact property management, or whomever your contact for the rental is.
The same rule applies as when you’re calling about any issue: be kind to the person you’re speaking with.
First, the problem is (usually) not their fault, and second, being nice gets you further in life than berating others, or unleashing streams of red hot anger.
Relay the details of the issue, and provide the documentation if necessary.
If the matter you’re dealing with is easily remedied, they should be able to work it out with you by either getting it fixed, compensating part of the stay, or upgrading your rental.
If the concern is something that you can’t live with, say a plumbing problem, infestation, or issue that could interfere with your sleep, be sure to let them know and see if they have an immediate solution, such as the option of a different residence, or put you up in a hotel while it gets fixed.
If they refuse to work with you or are rude or unhelpful, you’re going to have to try something else.
Contact Development Services
If you feel as though you’re being dismissed or given the run-around by the property management company, your next course of action is to contact San Antonio Development Services at (210) 207-1111.
Depending on what the problem entails, they will either be able to assist you themselves, or direct you to the department that can help.
Additionally, it never hurts to Tweet about your experience. Companies who are vague or unresponsive tend to get it together quickly and are super motivated to work with you, even if it’s just to save face.
Save Yourself the Trouble
If this whole scenario sounds like something you’d like to try and avoid, you can.
How?
Companies like Travelers Haven have built a business sourcing customizable short-term and corporate rental properties.
Here’s how it works. You tell them exactly what you’re looking for – down to the details, such as specific amenities and furnishings – and where you’re hoping to land, and they do the work of finding it for you. They know San Antonio (and other cities) well.
When you work with them, if a problem arises with the property you’re staying at, call them. They’ll be there to help you sort through it so you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Conclusion:
You’ve got enough on your plate already, and this is a hassle no one should have to deal with. Hopefully these steps will help you find your perfect temporary San Antonio home.
