Travel Nurse Housing Scam Checklist: What to Verify Before You Send a Deposit

What this checklist is for

Before you send money for a short-term rental, run through this checklist to verify the property, reduce scam risk, and plan a safer arrival week.

Save it before contacting hosts or signing anything. The goal is fewer arrival-week surprises and fewer non-refundable deposits to strangers.

Verify the listing

• Does the property address appear real on maps?
• Do the photos match the exterior, neighborhood, and listing description?
• Is the price believable for the area and season?
• Is the landlord or host willing to do a live video walkthrough?
• Can they answer basic questions about parking, laundry, utilities, commute, and lease terms?

Verify the person

• Do you have the person's full name, phone number, email, and written rental terms?
• Does their name match any lease, invoice, platform profile, or property record they provide?
• Are they avoiding normal communication or rushing you to pay?
• Are they using payment methods that are hard to reverse or trace?

Verify the payment terms

• Is the deposit amount clearly stated in writing?
• Is the refund policy clear?
• Are cleaning fees, utilities, pet fees, parking, and early move-out terms clear?
• Are you being pressured to pay before basic verification?
• Do you have screenshots/receipts for every payment request?

Verify arrival logistics

• What time can you check in?
• How do you get keys/access codes?
• What is the backup plan if the property is unavailable when you arrive?
• Is the commute realistic at shift-change times?
• Do you have first-night backup lodging if something feels off?

Questions to ask before paying

• What is the full address?
• What dates are available?
• What is included in rent?
• Are utilities included? If yes, which ones?
• Is Wi-Fi included, and what is the typical speed?
• Is parking included?
• Are pets allowed?
• What is the cancellation/refund policy?
• What is the minimum stay?
• Can we do a live video walkthrough?
• Can you show the entrance, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, laundry, and parking area on video?
• What is the exact deposit amount and due date?
• What payment methods do you accept?
• Will I receive a written agreement and receipt?
• What is the check-in process?
• What happens if the property is not available on arrival?
• How far is the property from the facility during typical commute hours?
• Are there any shared spaces?
• Are there cameras on the property? If yes, where?
• Who do I contact for maintenance or access issues?

Before you arrive

• Save the address, host contact info, agreement, receipts, and check-in instructions offline.
• Screenshot the listing photos and terms.
• Map the commute during the time you will actually drive to work.
• Keep enough funds available for emergency lodging.
• Share your arrival plan with someone you trust.
• Consider booking the first night separately if verification is incomplete or arrival is late.

When you arrive

• Check locks, windows, smoke detectors, and basic safety items.
• Confirm Wi-Fi, heat/AC, water, and laundry if promised.
• Photograph existing damage immediately.
• Report issues in writing.
• Trust your gut if something feels unsafe.

Between assignments?

Between housing deposits, assignment gaps, benefits timing, and emergency costs, travel nurses carry more financial risk than most people realize. If you are between contracts or your benefits may change soon, you can request a Coverage Gap Review to understand what questions to ask before your next assignment starts.

Request a Coverage Gap Review