Employer-Provided Housing: What to Ask and Check

Many overseas jobs include housing, often shared accommodation. It can save a lot of money, but it can also be the biggest surprise on arrival. The offer may say only "accommodation provided". This guide helps you ask for the detail before you go and check it when you arrive.

Before you accept

• Is housing provided free, or is the cost taken from your pay? If it is taken from your pay, how much?
• Where is it, and how far is it from your place of work? Who pays for transport?
• How many people share a room, and how many share a bathroom and kitchen?
• Are electricity, water and internet included?
• Is the housing owned by the employer or rented from another party?
• Can you move out, and does that change your pay?
• What are the rules, such as visitors, curfews or cooking?
• Ask for the answers in writing. If the answer is "it depends", ask what it depends on.

On arrival: a simple check

• Take dated photos of the room, bathroom, kitchen, windows, doors and any damage.
• Check that the door locks and that you have a key.
• Look for basics: a bed, bedding, working lights, water, ventilation and a safe way to cook.
• Look for fire exits and working smoke alarms where they exist.
• Note the number of people in the room.
• Send the photos to yourself or a family member so there is a dated record.

If it is not as promised

• Compare it with the written offer and your contract.
• Raise it in writing with your supervisor, noting what was promised and what you found.
• Keep the photos and the messages.
• If nothing changes, contact the labour authority or your embassy. Our before-you-fly pages name the body we found for each destination.

Your safety and privacy

• You are entitled to keep your own documents. Do not give your passport to a housing manager.
• Keep your valuables and copies of your documents somewhere you can reach quickly.
• Learn the emergency number for the country.
• If a place feels unsafe, say so to someone you trust and to your embassy.

Costs to watch for

• A deposit. Ask when and how it is returned and get a receipt.
• Charges for damage. Photos on arrival protect you.
• Charges taken from your pay that were not in your contract.

Moving out

Check the notice you need to give, return the keys and take photos of the room when you leave. Ask for any deposit to be returned in writing.

This guide gives general information and is not legal advice.