Renting for 1 to 3 months: how to find a place without Airbnb ruining you
Real strategies to land mid-term housing: platforms, how to negotiate, what to check before paying and how to avoid abusive deposits.
Housing is the biggest item in a nomad's budget, and also the biggest headache. Stays of one to three months sit in no man's land: too long for a hotel, too short for a traditional lease. Here is what works.
Book the first nights without overthinking
Don't commit to a whole month from your couch at home. Book 3 to 7 nights somewhere with good reviews and use those days to explore neighbourhoods, test the connection and view places in person. You will save money and surprises.
Where to look
Mid-term platforms
- Airbnb and Booking: convenient and with payment protection, but expensive. Always use the monthly stay filter: monthly discounts can be big.
- Flatio, HousingAnywhere or Spotahome: built for stays of weeks or months, especially in Europe.
Local options
- Each country's property portals and local rental groups on social media.
- Coliving: pricier than a flat, but includes community, coworking and zero paperwork.
- The city chat on Zabel: Zabelers who are leaving often pass their flat on to newcomers.
How to negotiate without shame
- Contact listings that have been online for a while: the owner is keener to close.
- Offer to pay the month upfront in exchange for a discount.
- Travel outside high season: your bargaining power changes completely.
- Always ask whether bills (power, water, internet, cleaning) are included.
What to check before paying
- Ask for a video call from inside the flat, or visit it.
- Check the internet speed with a live test.
- Look up the address on a map and check the area at street level.
- Sign something in writing, even a simple agreement: dates, price, deposit and refund terms.
Deposits: normal versus abusive
A one-month deposit is common for mid-term rentals. More than two months, or untraceable payment methods (international transfers to individuals, cash without a receipt), are red flags. If it sounds too good to be true, it is probably a scam: never pay for a place nobody has seen.
To get your deposit back
- Take photos and video of the flat when you move in and out.
- Get in writing how and when it will be returned.
FAQ
Coliving or a flat?
If it is your first time in the city or you travel solo, coliving gives you community from day one. For longer stays or couples, a flat is usually cheaper.
Where can I ask about flats in a specific city?
In that city's chat or on the SOS board, housing category.