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When you take a locum tenens assignment, you want to integrate seamlessly into an existing medical office—so why should your home environment be any different? Agencies make creating that temporary home-away-from-home easy for you. Most locums agencies, like Global Medical Staffing, handle all your housing arrangements, taking the burden off you. Whether you’re heading to a new assignment solo or relocating your whole family, you’ll have a place to stay, and most importantly, somewhere to call home.
The best part? There are options, and understanding those options and how to communicate your needs can make the difference between an inconvenient crash pad and the true comforts of a place that’s all your own.
Tip #1: Manage your expectations
Where you stay will largely depend on the length of your locums assignment. The length of your assignment generally will land you in more of a permanent living environment, rather than a hotel. In most cases, you’ll be put up in a hotel for the first 1-2 weeksof your assignment to acclimate to the new environment, settle in, and perhaps wait for your housing to be ready.
If your locums assignment is shorter, such as a few weeks to a month, you’re more likely to stay in an extended-stay hotel or vacation rental with a kitchenette. It’ll be cozy and understandably short-term.
If you do end up staying for a few months or longer, you can typically expect a modestly furnished one-bedroom, one-bath apartment. Upgrades are available for large families, pets, or personal preference.
In rare cases, some facilities, especially internationally, may offer housing exclusively for locum providers. Dr. Dalilah Restrepo, an infectious disease physician working in New Zealand, described the housing provided directly through her hospital, which was so close that she could walk to work.
“It was very comfortable,” she says. “I’ve stayed in the same place since I arrived.”
Tip #2: Communicate early
Once you’ve accepted an assignment, you need to share everything: your needs, your wants, your nice-to-haves, and who you’re bringing. It is essential because the more you communicate up front, the likelier it is for the agency to work with you. Remember, if you don’t ask, no one will answer.
Here’s a clear, practical list of what locum physicians should communicate to their locums agency about housing preferences to ensure placements run smoothly and comfortably.
Key housing preferences locums should communicate:
1. Preferred Type of Housing
- Hotel, extended-stay, rental apartment, private home, Airbnb, etc.
- Preference for kitchen access vs. hotel amenities.
- Whether you prefer quiet, residential areas over busier locations.
2. Proximity Needs
- How close you want to be to the hospital/clinic (e.g., within 10–15 minutes).
- Need for public transportation access.
- Distance preferences from grocery stores, gyms, or restaurants.
3. Safety & Neighborhood Requirements
- Need for safe, well-lit areas, especially for night shifts.
- Preference for family-friendly or low-traffic neighborhoods.
4. Privacy & Noise Preferences
- Request for private housing vs. shared arrangements.
- Noise sensitivity (e.g., avoiding busy highways, nightlife areas).
5. Length of stay considerations
- Whether you prefer housing that allows:
- Long-term stays
- Monthly extensions
- Flexible checkout options if assignments change
6. Amenities Needed
- Kitchen / full fridge / cookware
- Washer/dryer in-unit or on-site
- High-speed, reliable Wi-Fi
- Workout space or access to a gym
- Parking availability (covered or secured)
- Workspace/desk area
7. Pet Concerns
- Whether you’re traveling with pets
- Breed/size
- Need for pet-friendly housing and nearby outdoor space
8. Accessibility Requirements
- Need for ground-floor housing, elevators, wheelchair-accessible units, or other mobility accommodations.
9. Transportation Needs
- Will you have a personal vehicle, or do you need to be close to:
- Public transit
- Rideshare-friendly areas
- Parking requirements (secure, on-site, covered).
10. Budget or Preferences Related to Stipends
- Whether you prefer the agency to book for you or want to manage housing with a stipend
- Any cost expectations or caps you want them to consider.
11. Past Experiences & Deal-Breakers
- What has worked well for you at prior assignments
- What you absolutely want to avoid in future placements
Prerequisites to consider for locums housing:
● Location: Do you want to be close to the hospital or clinic or in a walkable downtown area?
● Physical needs: Do you need an elevator, no stairs, or ground-floor access?
● Amenities: Is a gym or washer/dryer in the unit non-negotiable? King-size bed? TV in the bedroom?
● Workspace: Do you need a quiet place to chart or take calls?
Dr. Penny Williams, who worked in St. Croix, shared:
Home is a state of mind; for others, it might include your family and/or pets, that’s vital information to share. Most agencies can accommodate these requests; however, additional costs, such as larger spaces or pet deposits, may be your responsibility.
Can you upgrade?
Most assignment contracts cover the cost of a furnished one-bedroom, one-bath unit. However, if you’re looking for something larger, more luxurious, or pet-friendly, be prepared to pay extra for the upgrade. (It’s not always necessary, but it’s good to know it may be required.)
This includes upgrades such as extra bedrooms or bathrooms, premium amenities (e.g., pool, private balcony, in-unit laundry), additional furnishings (like a second TV or workspace), and pet fees or deposits, among others.
The comforts of home may not always be included in the contract, but that doesn’t mean you have to live deprived. Know what will make or break the experience for you, and go in an open mind.
“We took our son with us to New Zealand,” Dr. Restrepo shared. “It was fun to live the experience together as a family.”
Dr. Jason Heine, who relocated with his wife and children, added:
Agencies can also assist in finding housing for pet parents, but breed restrictions and additional cleaning fees may apply. Whatever your needs, open communication upfront is the best way to make sure your new home is the right fit.
Want to book your own housing?
Some doctors may prefer to arrange their own housing. This provides both added control and a creative way to use the stipend afforded to you. In that case:
● Your agency may reimburse you or offer a housing stipend
● You may need to provide receipts and proof of reasonable costs.
● Be aware: Booking your housing requires more planning and risk.
The bottom line: The earlier you communicate your housing needs, the better your experience will be. From accessibility requests to pet accommodations and family logistics, nothing is too small to mention. Agencies can’t meet any of the expectations, they don’t know about—so speak up early, be specific, and advocate for what will make your assignment feel like home. If that means finding your own housing, then plan for that too.
Tip #3: Quality and safety matter
Don’t be afraid to ask about safety, quality, and prior use. Be direct with your questions: Has this property been used by other providers? Were there any complaints or issues?
Your agency is well-positioned to provide reviews from previous locum tenens providers, photos and videos of the property, and the option to stay in a hotel before committing to any one accommodation.
Some physicians, like Dr. Hodgdon, recommend erring on the side of simplicity. “I usually go by myself. For me, it’s easier. You don’t know what your apartment will be like, and if you’re flying blind, it’s simpler not to drag the whole family.”
Others, like Dr. Gabrielle Johnson, who worked in Guam, explained:
Tip #4: Ensure your comfort
Agencies want you to feel comfortable and genuinely settled. That starts with placing you in properties vetted by the agency and past locum providers.
For longer assignments, many will offer a few weeks in a hotel before you commit to a lease, giving you time to check out the neighborhood, review the space, and make sure it’s a good fit. In some cases, they can even arrange on-site visits or share third-party ratings to help you feel confident in your new surroundings.
Emergency physician Dr. Alan Hodgdon has worked in resource-limited locations, such as St. Croix and Guam, where comfort is crucial to his professional success. “Some specialties just aren’t available,” he explained. “You may be the only one. That means your housing and headspace need to be comfortable.” When you’re on call in a place without a cath lab or neurosurgery, a quiet, secure place to decompress at the end of your shift can make all the difference.
But the key to feeling at home isn’t just about where you sleep. It’s also about how you live while you’re there. Dr. Hodgdon recommends leaning into the local culture:
Building connections in your new environment, whether with coworkers, neighbors, or even the staff at your favorite local food truck, can help transform your assignment from a short-term gig into a genuinely memorable experience.
From the mouths of the doctors themselves
“Bring your meds—and bring enough. Don’t assume you can find them on the island.”
“Some of the best food we had came from local trucks near the hospital.”
“Stuff like Cheerios is 30% more expensive on the island. But coconuts? A buck.”
Locums tenens assignments: Your home away from home
Housing is one of the most critical aspects of your locum tenens experience, and the proper setup can make or break your time away from home. The great news? Most of it is taken care of for you, and when you work with a reliable agency, you’ll have support from start to finish.
Whether traveling solo, with pets, or with your entire family, your housing doesn’t have to be stressful.
With the proper support, clear expectations, and a little flexibility, you’ll find all the needs of a home environment in every assignment you take on. “Do it,” Dr. Restrepo says. “You won’t regret it.”
Ready to choose your locum tenens adventure? Give us a call at 1.800.760.3174 or view today’s job opportunities.m tenens adventure?