Rental Assistance and Relocation Policies
Relocation Policies and Rental Assistance | Whitepaper
Relocation Assistance is a key component of a relocation policy for both domestic and international assignments. When relocating employees, domestically, it is essential to understand that not all employees will choose to purchase a home in the new location. Renters are increasingly involved in the relocation process, and many homeowners are becoming renters based on financial and real estate market conditions.
When relocating to a new city or state, an employee may want to rent initially and then purchase a home once they become acclimated. Additionally, when engaging a Global Mobility Company/Relocation Management Company (RMC), it is important to know which services are provided by RMC and which services are provided by a rental/real estate agent (Domestic) and Destination Service Provider (DSP, International).
Both play distinct but complementary roles in assisting your relocating employee, ensuring a seamless transition to a new location.

Whitepaper includes:
- Best practices including employee needs, policy guidelines and Incent-to-Rent
- Benefits for both the Employee and the Employer
- Dilapidation in rental properties
- Partnering with an RMC for guidance, coordination and enhanced experience
Best Practices



- Understand Your Employees’ Needs and Preferences
- Set Clear Policies and Guidelines
- Incent-to-Rent
- Placing Caps on Rental Assistance
- Encourage employees to negotiate a Diplomatic Clause
- Establishing a partnership and hiring an RMC
Benefits of Rental Assistance

Incorporating a rental assistance benefit into the company’s policy can offer strategic advantages and contributes to improved employee loyalty and satisfaction by alleviating one of their most significant financial burdens
Attracting and Retaining Top Talent
Offering rental assistance is an attractive benefit to prospective employees, particularly those relocating from different cities, regions, or countries. By providing this support, the employer demonstrates a commitment to the employee’s well-being and makes the transition easier, which helps attract
top-tier talent. It can also help retain employees by easing their transition into
a new role, making them more likely to remain with the company long term.
Reducing Stress and Ensuring a Smooth Transition
Relocating employees may face challenges in finding suitable housing that meets their needs. Offering rental assistance helps reduce the stress of this process and enables the employee to settle into their new location more quickly. This means employees can focus on their work rather than worrying about housing, leading to increased productivity and a smoother transition into the new role.
Faster Integration and Increased Productivity:
Employees who secure housing early in the relocation process can focus on their job responsibilities without the distraction of housing-related concerns. A well-executed relocation process ensures the employee is settled and can start contributing effectively in their new role much faster.


Moving to a new city or country can be stressful, costly, and complicated.
A comprehensive rental assistance benefit can help ease relocation stress and ensures the employee feels supported throughout the process
Smooth Transition to New Housing
Securing housing is often one of the biggest challenges in a relocation. Relocation assistance often includes help finding housing, whether it is by providing rental assistance, offering temporary accommodations, or helping with house-hunting services. This ensures employees do not face the stress of searching for a home in an unfamiliar city or country, especially when rental properties are in high demand. Knowing that housing support is available allows employees to focus on other aspects of their move, such as setting into their new job and community.
Reduced Stress
Relocating is inherently stressful, and housing is one of the most stressful aspects of the move. Receiving rental assistance helps to ease the stress, allowing employees to feel more comfortable in their new environment. This sense of security can lead to a smoother transition, both personally and professionally.
Improved Satisfaction and Loyalty
Providing rental assistance as part of the relocation package shows that the company values the employees’ well-being and wants to make their transition as smooth as possible. This support can increase employee satisfaction, demonstrating that the company cares about their long-term success. As a result, employees are likely to feel more appreciated and loyal to the company.
Help With Lease Agreements
Leases can be confusing, especially when moving to a new city or country. With Rental Assistance, employees benefit from support with lease negotiations, ensuring they understand the lease agreement’s terms. Additionally, they can also receive legal support to help with local laws, especially when relocating internationally. This assistance helps to ensure that employees understand their obligations and rights as tenants.
Dilapidation

What is Dilapidation?
On a rental property, “dilapidation” refers to the damage a tenant leaves a property in at the end of a lease, meaning that they are responsible for any damages beyond normal wear and tear and must return the property to its move-in condition as outlined in the lease agreement. This usually includes repairs, decoration, or restoring any alterations made to the property during their tenancy.
Landlords often issue a “Schedule of Dilapidations” detailing the necessary repairs and their associated costs to the tenant at the end of the lease. Dilapidation is typically more of an issue with international assignments since they are for a set duration.
4 key points about dilapidation in rental properties include:
1) Tenant Responsibility
2) Lease Agreement
3) Schedule of Dilapidations
4) Normal Wear and Tear

How to avoid Dilapidation?
Your employees can reduce the risk of dilapidation by minimizing the wear and tear of the property, saving them money in costly repairs at the end of the lease.
Prevent dilapidation charges at the end of the lease by:
- Having a Well-Written Lease
- Conduct Regular Inspections
Working with an Relocation Management Company
A Relocation Management Company (RMC) can play a significant role in assisting your employees with finding a home, lease negotiations, and ensuring they receive their deposit back when the lease term ends.
Services include:
- Employee Counseling
- Property Viewing and Selection
- Lease Agreement Assistance
- Move-In Coordination
- Move Out Coordination
- Collaboration Between the RMC and Rental Agent/DSP

Summary of Rental Assistance Programs

Incorporating a comprehensive rental assistance program into relocation policies is essential for supporting your employees through the relocation process.
By addressing the challenges of securing suitable housing, managing lease agreements, and facilitating a smooth move, organizations can enhance the overall employee experience. A well-executed program not only reduces employee stress, but also strengthens talent retention and productivity, reinforcing the company’s commitment to employee well-being. As workforce mobility evolves, including a comprehensive rental assistance benefit in
your policy will remain a key factor in ensuring successful relocations and assignments.
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