Flatio

What’s Flatio?

Flatio is a rental housing platform for digital nomads, offering hand-picked, mostly deposit-free, and reasonably priced accommodations in over 300 destinations, mainly in Europe. What sets Flatio apart from similar platforms is that it offers lawyer-verified, legally binding lease agreements that can be used as proof of address and for visa purposes.

Flatio’s background

• Flatio was founded in 2016.
• Flatio’s co-founders are Radim Rezek, Jakub Škorpík, and Ondřej Dufek.
• Flatio decided to focus on digital nomads after the pandemic, thanks to the rise of remote work and digital nomadism.
• Flatio is a big proponent of no-deposit housing and promotes the concept through various means to make digital nomadism a lifestyle accessible to more people.
• Flatio is currently active in over 300 destinations, mainly in Europe. However, there are plans to expand to all the top digital nomad destinations worldwide, with the goal of becoming the first choice for rental housing among digital nomads.

🏆 Service Highlight: StayProtection for Tenants

One of Flatio’s unique services is StayProtection for Tenants, a service package offered in partnership with AXA, a globally recognized insurance company, that provides tenants with a higher level of protection and peace of mind during their tenancy.

Here’s a list of the base services provided to every single reservation via Flatio:

• Move-in Guarantee with a 24/7 emergency line
• Balanced, legally binding, visa-friendly lease agreement
• Deposit-free policy
• 100% money protection
• Customer support available every day of the week

On top of all this, most of our landlords use our Rental Insurance which provides tenants with Stay Benefits for Tenants - Powered by AXA that helps them in cases like:

• Emergency situations such as Internet connection issues, electricity/gas/heating problems, a blocked-up door, or a failed function of a household appliance
• Accidental damage to the property

You can read the details of StayProtection for Tenants and Stay Benefits for Tenants here and here.

✅ Other highlights of Flatio’s tenant services

• The possibility of renting accommodation from 5 days and no maximum length of stay (unless the landlord specifies otherwise)
• Availability of private rooms and whole houses
• No deposit required for stays of less than 180 days (unless local laws in certain regions of some countries require otherwise)
• Nomad-verified badge that helps tenants filter listings suitable for remote work
• No hidden fees
• Payment only after the landlord has accepted the reservation (i.e. after the landlord has signed the lease agreement from their side)
• Lease agreements translated into multiple languages
• Verified landlords and properties for some listings
• Virtual tours of the accommodation available in some destinations
• Possibility to contact the landlord directly before booking
• Possibility to contact the landlord at their phone number and email address after the agreement has become valid, in addition to the possibility to contact them through the “Messages” section in the tenant’s profile
• Informative blog content and guides about the location where the tenant will be staying
• Reviews of landlord and accommodations from previous tenants
• A highly selective process for listing properties on Flatio (only properties that are fully equipped and have a Wi-Fi Internet connection can be listed on Flatio.)
• Automated solutions to simplify and streamline the rental process
• A secure and simple payment system (including the possibility to pay with Bitcoin)

🚦Pros and cons of renting with Flatio

Pros of renting with Flatio

• Lease agreement: Flatio offers a legally binding lease agreement that protects both tenant and landlord and ensures a transparent and professional lease. The lease agreement can be used as proof of address and for visa purposes, making it a suitable option, especially for digital nomads.
• All-inclusive bills: When you rent with Flatio, there are no additional charges for utilities. All bills, including electricity, water, and internet, are included in the rental price.
• No deposits: Most listings on Flatio are deposit-free, which makes it easier for tenants to find a good rental unit without overextending themselves financially.
• Viewing options: In addition to the virtual tours available for some listings, it's possible to view most properties in person by arrangement with landlords, giving tenants the opportunity to inspect the space before making a decision.
• Flexible termination: Flatio understands that plans can change. Tenants can benefit from flexible termination terms that give them more flexibility.

Cons of renting with Flatio

• Availability limited to Europe: Flatio is currently active mainly in Europe, which means it may not be suitable for people seeking accommodation outside this region.
• Mainly whole properties available: Most of the properties listed on Flatio are whole apartments and houses, not private rooms, and are for individuals who prefer privacy. If you're looking for shared workspaces or a more communal environment, this may not be the ideal option.

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