You may have heard about digital nomads, but you’re not sure what to think of them? Are you unsure whether they are trustworthy tenants for your rental? What is this new trend of nomadic remote working, anyway? We’re here to explain.
What is a digital nomad?
As people began working from home more, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was only a matter of time before someone decided that if they have to sit in front of a computer the whole day, they might as well do it in a country or location of their choice.
A digital nomad is a particular type of worker who works remotely (usually using portable computers and phones connected to Wi-Fi or hotspots) and has decided to travel the world while working.
Typical occupations that allow such a lifestyle need to be both fully online and reasonably well paid. The workers need to pay for extra expenses connected with travel and administration.
Digital nomads are often:
- programmers
- copywriters
- translators
- freelance and commission workers
- artists
- designers
- etc
Since digital nomads don’t have a stable workplace place (and are unlikely to rent an office in each new home), they often work from cafes, coworking centres, or their own homes. They are different from backpackers, for example, since they tend to stay for longer and are fully employed as they travel.
Are digital nomads good tenants?
So now you know who they are, but do they make trustworthy tenants? Well, the answer is complicated. No group of people in the world would be 100% reliable - there’s always someone that ends up disappointing you. But on the whole, digital nomads make great tenants, especially for mid-term rentals.
Since they are looking to rent an apartment for a few months or even for a year, digital nomads are looking for a home, not a hotel. They are used to taking care of their place because they need to stay in it for longer - some even work from home.
At the same time, they keep themselves well informed about the rules of a given country, so they are unlikely to pose much trouble. Also, travelling is a costly lifestyle and travelling every few months is doubly expensive. It is only people with specific financial security that can afford such a lifestyle.
Digital nomads are also often well-travelled and respectful to the various cultures they visit. Many tourists are expecting all kinds of things, but there’s a good chance that a digital nomad moved to your country to explore its beauties and specificities rather than to use it as a cheap getaway.
Renting to digital nomads Digital nomads are a great way to spice up your mid-term renting. Not only are they reliable, but they are interesting people to meet as well. It is always important to exercise caution, just like with any other tenant, and digital nomads are no different. Still, if you’re looking for a source of good, caring mid-term tenants, then digital nomads should be at the top of your list.
If you have an available house, apartment, villa or private bedroom you'd like to rent for your accommodation for Digital Nomads, check out Flatio. We are specialists in mid-term rentals with a vast audience of Digital Nomads and Remote Workers.
