Relocating for a Job? 10 Questions to Ask About Housing Costs and Hidden Fees

Relocating for a job? Start here: the housing checklist new hires miss

Moving for work is exciting — and expensive. The job offer looks great on paper, but the first paycheque can vanish if you haven't mapped the true cost of housing. This checklist gives new hires the ten questions to ask before you sign a lease or mortgage: affordability, pet rules, commute impact, and the hidden fees that derail budgets. Examples from French towns, UK developments and modern manufactured homes show what to watch for in 2026.

Quick overview — what you’ll get

• A 10-question relocation housing checklist focused on affordability, pet policies, commute and hidden costs.
• Concrete examples from Sète and Montpellier (France), London and Dorset (UK), and contemporary manufactured-home options.
• Actionable negotiation tips for new hires and community networking ideas to lower risk and cost.

Why this matters in 2026: trends shaping your move

Late 2025 and early 2026 brought a few housing shifts employers and hires should know: rental demand remains competitive in UK cities, employers increasingly offer targeted relocation stipends, and manufactured homes (modern prefabs) are gaining traction as a lower-cost, higher-quality alternative to traditional entry-level housing. Pet-friendly amenity builds — from London tower blocks with indoor dog parks to rural cottages with dog flaps — highlight that pet policies now affect availability and price. Finally, hybrid work means your commute calculation must factor in fewer but more flexible travel days, changing what’s “affordable.”

10 questions every new hire should ask before signing a lease or buying

Use these questions as both due-diligence and negotiation tools. Each one includes what to ask, why it matters, red flags, and an example from France, the UK, or manufactured-home scenarios.

1. What is the total monthly housing cost — not just rent or mortgage?

Ask for a full monthly breakdown: rent or mortgage payment, service charges/condo fees, ground rent, council tax (UK) or local residence taxes (France), utilities, broadband, and any park lot rent for manufactured homes.

• Why it matters: A £1,800/month flat can jump to £2,200 once council tax, utilities and building fees are included.
• Red flag: Landlords or agents who only quote “rent” and refuse to list typical bills.
• Example: A furnished apartment in Montpellier may include a copropriété (building) charge for shared maintenance; ask exactly what it covers and whether heating is metered.

Action: build a one-line budget template (Rent + Service charges + Council tax/Taxes + Utilities + Internet + Insurance + Transport = True monthly cost).

2. Are there move-in or exit fees?

Beyond deposits, many places add admin fees, inventory checks, cleaning fees, agency re-letting fees, or exit refurbishment charges. In 2026 some UK landlords still use inventory-check firms that charge tenants for “damage” — know your liabilities.

• Why it matters: Move-in fees can equal several weeks’ rent. Exit fees can wipe a security deposit.
• Red flag: Vague clauses in the contract like “tenant liable for reasonable redecoration.”
• Example: Manufactured home parks sometimes have “decommissioning” or removal fees; if you buy a modern prefab on leased land, clarify costs when you sell or leave.

Action: get move-in and exit fees listed in writing; photograph the property on day one and keep dated receipts for cleaning or repairs.

3. What are the pet policies and exact costs?

Pet rules vary wildly: some UK builds (e.g., new London towers) advertise dog-friendly amenities but still require pet deposits or size restrictions. French landlords may accept pets more readily in rural areas but check clauses for “dangerous” breeds. Manufactured-home communities sometimes limit breeds or require extra pet insurance.

• Why it matters: Pet deposits, increased cleaning obligations, and potential fines can add hundreds yearly.
• Red flag: “No pets” listed now but landlord suggests exceptions verbally — get it in writing.
• Example: A West London tower with an indoor dog park may still charge higher service charges for pet waste management; always ask whether HOA fees rise for high-pet occupancy.

Action: request written confirmation of pet permission, limits, and any additional charges before surrendering a deposit. Consider pet insurance and a “pet CV” — photos, vaccination records, and references — which many UK landlords now request.

4. How will the commute affect cost and quality of life?

Commute isn't only time — it’s real money (fares, fuel, parking) and productivity. With hybrid work common in 2026, ask about flexible days and quantify commute frequency. Check real transit times rather than Google’s “ideal” times, and test the route during peak hours.

• Why it matters: A shorter commute can justify slightly higher rent; a long commute incurs costs and burnout.
• Red flag: Employer suggests “local rail links” but provides no specifics or reimbursement policy.
• Example: Sète provides fast TGV links to Montpellier and beyond; a hire commuting from Sète to Montpellier can use regional rail passes — factor monthly rail passes into your budget.

Action: calculate weekly commute cost and lost time. Ask your employer about season ticket loans, commuter benefits, or a partial travel stipend.

5. Who pays for repairs, maintenance and service calls?

Clarify responsibilities for maintenance (plumbing, heating, pest control). In condos or copropriétés, building management fees cover some items; in manufactured-home communities, park management may charge separate maintenance fees.

• Why it matters: Replacing a boiler or fixing damp can be a four-figure bill if you’re unexpectedly liable.
• Red flag: Lease language that makes the tenant responsible for “all repairs.”
• Example: A country villa near Montpellier might include garden maintenance in the service charge; confirm exactly which upkeep tasks are landlord vs. tenant responsibility.

Action: list expected maintenance items and who pays, and ask for a copy of the building’s recent maintenance invoices if possible.

6. Are there short-term housing or temporary-stay fees while you search?

Many new hires need temporary lodging. Employers increasingly offer short-term furnished housing stipends, but check whether the stipend is gross or net of taxes and whether it covers pets.

• Why it matters: Short-term stays can be expensive and may restrict your ability to inspect a property in person.
• Red flag: A stipend tied to a fixed list of vendors that excludes lower-cost local options.
• Example: In 2026, some UK employers include 2–4 weeks of temporary housing; negotiate for additional days if you need more time to find pet-friendly or affordable options.

Action: request written relocation support (duration, reimbursement caps, pet coverage) and ask HR to approve early visits or virtual viewings. For hosts and short-term stays, check rapid check-in and guest experience setups like advanced rapid-checkin systems to understand what temporary housing providers will offer.

7. What taxes and local charges apply — now and if you buy?

Taxes can differ dramatically: the UK has council tax bands that raise monthly cost; in France, taxe d'habitation for primary residences was largely phased out for many households earlier in the decade, but second-home owners and some communal charges still apply. For manufactured homes, check whether local tax rules treat the unit as chattel or real property.

• Why it matters: Annual taxes can shift the long-term affordability of a property.
• Red flag: Seller or landlord cannot explain which taxes they charge or why your bill is higher than the last tenant's.
• Example: If you’re considering a small seaside house in Sète used seasonally, confirm whether taxe foncière (property tax) or tourist-season surcharges apply.

Action: ask for the last 12 months' bills for utilities and local taxes; if buying, consult a local notaire or solicitor for accurate tax projections.

8. If considering a manufactured home: what are park rules, lot rents, and resale prospects?

Modern manufactured homes offer value, but the economics depend on lot rents, park regulations, and whether the home is classified as personal property or real property. Many parks have community rules (age limits, pet rules, exterior modifications) that affect long-term satisfaction and resale value.

• Why it matters: Low purchase price can be offset by high lot rent or restrictive park rules.
• Red flag: Oral promises about future park improvements without written commitments or unclear lot rent escalation clauses.
• Example: A modern prefab near a UK commuter town could cost significantly less upfront than a flat in the city, but check whether the park allows subletting if you need to relocate again.

Action: get park rules in writing, review lot-rent increase history, and ask for resale data for similar units in the park. Also review modular kitchen and worktop options that keep maintenance costs low — see guides on modular worktop inserts & repairable accessories for small-home fit-outs.

9. What insurance and liability will you need?

Insure for contents, liability (including pet liability), and, if buying, buildings cover. For manufactured homes, some insurers treat them differently — confirming coverage options and premiums in your postcode is essential.

• Why it matters: A dog bite claim or flood damage can be financially catastrophic without the right policy.
• Red flag: An insurer who won’t quote without an in-person inspection for a property that’s been rented for years.
• Example: In flood-prone parts of Dorset, insurance premiums can spike; ask the seller or landlord about historic claims and elevation of the property.

Action: obtain a quote before you commit — include contents, legal liability, and (if relevant) temporary accommodation cover. For cost-planning and one-off expenses, reference playbooks like the Cost Playbook 2026 to model expenses and break-even scenarios.

10. What community and networking supports exist locally — and via your employer?

Housing decisions are social as well as financial. Local community features — coworking hubs, expat or neighborhood groups, pet meetups, and employer onboarding networks — influence how quickly you settle in and find affordable services like childcare, tradespeople, or dog walkers.

• Why it matters: A supportive neighborhood or an employer relocation network reduces hidden time and money costs.
• Red flag: No introduction to other relocated employees or a lack of neighborhood info from HR.
• Example: Developers behind new UK tower projects sometimes offer community events and concierge services (e.g., One West Point in Acton), which can ease settling in; manufactured-home parks often have community coordinators who manage social events and maintenance.

Action: ask HR to connect you with other recent hires or local teams; join local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or expat forums to crowdsource reliable trades and pet services. If you need affordable workspace while you search for housing, field tests of free-to-use co-working spaces can help decide whether that route reduces short-term costs.

Two short case studies: how hires used the checklist

Case study A — Marie: from Paris to Sète (software engineer)

Marie accepted a Montpellier-based role and considered Sète for lower rent and fast TGV links. She asked for total monthly costs, confirmed that the copropriété fees included heating, and negotiated a two-week employer housing stipend to visit and inspect units. She found an affordable renovated house with predictable coastal-weather insurance costs and saved by joining a local pet-sitting co-op recommended on a neighborhood group.

Result: lower true monthly cost than a Montpellier centre flat, professional commute options for occasional office weeks, and strong local pet-network support.

Case study B — Ahmed: manufactured home to cut costs near a UK commuter town

Ahmed, newly hired by a logistics company, compared a central-town flat with a modern manufactured home on a nearby park. He confirmed the park’s lot-rent history, asked about resale and park rules (pets allowed, no short-term lets), and negotiated with HR for a small deposit contribution. He bought a high-spec prefab, joined the park’s resident committee to influence future lot-rent reviews, and now pays ~35% less monthly than city-rent estimates.

Result: immediate monthly savings and a community voice that improved transparency and long-term resale prospects.

Negotiation scripts and questions to ask HR or landlords

Use these short scripts when negotiating costs or requesting clarity:

• To HR (relocation): “Can the relocation package include a short-term furnished stay and coverage for pet relocation or pet deposits? Can you confirm the exact reimbursement process?”
• To landlord/agent: “Please provide a full itemized list of monthly charges, typical utility costs, and any move-in or exit fees. Are there written pet permissions?”
• To park management (manufactured home): “Please share the park’s lot-rent schedule for the last five years, the resale history of similar units, and any restrictions on subletting.”

Red flags and how to walk away

Some signs mean you should pause or walk away:

• Contractual language with open-ended tenant liabilities.
• Unwillingness to provide past bills or a copy of the park/building rules.
• Significant unexplained increases in service charges year-on-year.
• No written pet permission when the landlord has verbally agreed.

If you find these, escalate to HR (if part of relocation) or ask for a cooling-off period to get legal advice. Small savings up front rarely justify lingering legal or financial risk.

Practical tools: mini-calculators and templates

Copy these quick tools into a note or spreadsheet before you move:

• True monthly cost = Rent/Mortgage + Service charges + Council tax/local taxes + Utilities + Internet + Insurance + Transport
• Upfront cash needed = First month’s rent + Security deposit + Move-in fees + Temporary housing + Pet deposits + Initial furnishings
• Break-even timeframe for buying vs renting = (Buying upfront costs + annual carrying costs) / monthly rent savings

Actionable takeaways

• Ask for itemized costs. Don’t accept a headline rent or purchase price without the breakdown.
• Get pet permissions in writing and budget for pet-related fees or higher cleaning costs.
• Test your commute during peak hours and calculate actual weekly costs — hybrid schedules change the math.
• For manufactured homes, confirm lot rent escalation, park rules and resale data.
• Use your employer — negotiate temporary housing, partial deposits, or relocation allowances rather than absorbing upfront risk.

Community features: leverage success stories and networks

Tap into local community resources to cut costs and improve safety when relocating:

• Join company relocation Slack channels or alumni networks to get housing leads from people who moved recently.
• Use local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or regional expat forums in France and the UK to find recommended trades, pet sitters, and verified landlords.
• Attend developer-hosted events (many UK new-builds run community mixers) or resident meetings in manufactured-home parks to learn about unstated costs or upcoming rule changes.

Final checklist: print this before you sign

1. Get a full itemized monthly cost and last 12 months’ bills.
2. Confirm all move-in and exit fees in writing.
3. Obtain written pet permission and list any extra charges.
4. Test commute at peak and off-peak times and calculate weekly cost.
5. Clarify maintenance responsibilities and request recent invoices.
6. Secure temporary housing help from HR if needed.
7. Check local taxes and classification for manufactured homes.
8. Get insurance quotes for contents, liability and specialized needs (pets, flood).
9. Review park/building rules, lot rent history, and resale figures if relevant.
10. Connect to local community groups and ask HR for introductions to other relocated employees.

Take the next step

Relocating for work doesn’t have to mean hidden costs and surprises. Use this checklist to turn unknowns into negotiation leverage and connect with peers who’ve moved before you. For a tailored relocation plan, upload your job offer to FreeJobsNetwork and join our relocation community forum — get step-by-step support from people who’ve moved to Montpellier, Sète, London and beyond.

“A clear budget and written agreements saved me three months of heartache — and a small fortune.” — Marie, software engineer (Montpellier)

Ready to move with confidence? Start by saving this checklist and requesting the documents listed in the final checklist. If you want help negotiating a relocation stipend or finding pet-friendly, affordable housing options — post your situation in our community and connect with successful relocators and vetted local contacts.