Housing from an employer: what to check before you move
Updated November 14, 2026 · 4 min read
Many clubs and agencies offer housing with a contract — it is convenient and often good value. But housing is also how an employer can gain too much control over an employee’s life. Here is what to check in advance.
Who pays and how much
Find out whether the housing is free or deducted from your earnings. If it is deducted, the amount should be known in advance and written in the contract. Compare it with rents in the same city.
What the conditions should be
- Your own keys and freedom to come and go when you want.
- It is clear how many people live in the flat and in your room.
- Housing separate from the workplace.
- You know the exact address and can share it with people close to you.
If you are not given keys, are forbidden to go out, or have your phone and documents taken — those are not working conditions. Call a helpline from our safety page.
If you decide to leave
Ask in advance how many days you have to move out if you leave the job, and whether a “debt” for accommodation could appear. An honest employer answers calmly and in writing.
Before you move
- Ask for photos or a video of the place and its exact address.
- Check the address on a map.
- Set aside money for a few nights somewhere else — just in case.
If it doesn’t suit you
You can rent on your own — the Housing section has flats, rooms and short-term rentals. Your own place gives you the freedom to change jobs without losing a roof over your head.