Nomads can rent apartments for a fraction of the price by renting on standby

We’ve heard of airline standby passengers, but what about standby apartment renters? Digital nomads worldwide have always found innovative ways to secure housing on their travels, and a company is now offering them an alternative option to live in a short-term abode. 

Landing, a flexible subscription-based housing company with over 20,000 available apartments, allows members of the site to rent fully furnished and ready-to-move-in apartments; across 375 cities in the US on a month-to-month basis.

How does this model work? 

The company’s newest “Standby” offering on a membership tier allows members to pay a flat rate of $1,295 a month to a host of fully-furnished apartments with the exception of New York and California.

Marketing itself as a more affordable option to Airbnb, hotels, or even rental homes in the US that average $1,937 a month, Landing is understandably more attractive to renters, but their “standby” model can come at another cost.

When a listing is rented by a “standby” member, the apartment remains open for customers who pay for its standard 199-a-month membership, along with the rental cost of the apartment selected. This means that if standard members want your apartment, you could be evicted with as little as 72-hour notice.

The good news is that if this does happen to you, you can transfer to a new apartment at no additional cost, with no guarantee that it will be in the same city. 

Is Standby renting worth it? 

Digital nomads are naturally spontaneous and comfortable with change and movement. This program allows members to explore different neighborhoods in many cities as people look for a permanent apartment or plan their next move. 

While there is no information on the average stay length before being kicked out, this option can save renters money and give them a chance to romanticize their life in new digs.