Hi Guys

I'm looking for some advice.

We arrived in Edmonton yesterday after a really good journey.

My employer is providing accomodation for 45 days for me, my husband and our toddler.

However, I'm not sure if I should say something to my employer about the accomodation.

We're staying in the two bed basement of a nurse who works at the hospital I'm going to be working at.

I was told that it was self contained but there is no door seperating the basement from the stairs leading to the rest of the house. It's a large family with children who have just run in and out so far.
There's no heating and the fully equipped kitchen has an oven that isn't working and has very few utensils.

I don't want to have to say anything but I have my family to think about so I throw it to you.
What should I do?
Thanks
Nikki

I'm sure your employer will be paying for the accommodation and would probably be upset at the lack of adequate facilities. I would say something. As you say you have your family to consider and all you want are the basics as were advised would be provided.

Good luck.

Zoe M. x

Definitely say something,

Go through the basement suite , list the things
that need to be fixed to your employer.
Your employer can contact the owner of the
house and address your concerns.

You all need your privacy and it is not acceptable to have no
door between the basement and the stairs leading to the
main part of the house.
Good luck.
Yoong

Hi Nikki,

Do you still have the letter/email telling you that it was self-contained?

Self-contained in my mind means that there is a separate entrance to your accommodation. I certainly wouldn't expect anyone else running through it!

I agree with the previous posters, most especially Yoong, and I'd have my camera and a notebook and pen out right now.

How are you and your family going to last there for 45 days? I'd be asking your employer to get alternative accommodation for you rather than asking for stuff to be fixed. Who is going to be there when workmen are doing the repairs, and how long might you have to wait to have cooking facilities, utensils and privacy?

Good Luck,

M

Yup - def think you should say something

wouldnt want other sprogs running around!

If nothing else I think its damned rude that they let their kids run through your 'space' .

I wouldnt expect to rent an apt that had no door to ensure your privacy - that weird unless its like a 'house share' opportunity - if thats not the case as you have indicated than i would definately say something - rather than approach your hubby's employer - have you asked the person renting the ' self contained apt' why its not self contained and why she is allowing her kids to run through your flat / apt / space

Either way, you need to approach one of them, after all 45 days can be a LONG time

Hi there

Just wanted to add my bit! My husband just really recently to the UK on a business trip. He was put up in a place which was less than ideal. Long story, nowhere near as bad as yours! In the morning he told his boss straight away. The company was paying but they knew nothing about the hotel. They usually used another one, but for some reason were unable to, so they opted for this 'new' one. They knew nothing about the place, so from Steve's feedback, they won't use it again. Most business' have no idea about the accomodation they just get these rates and put their staff inside. There is nothing wrong with going to the employer and seeing if you can be moved. Approach it delicately though, just in case your boss knows the people!

Hey, good luck!

Hi Nikki,
That sounds awful. I would definately mention it... be polite, but firm, and mention it. As you say you have a toddler there to think about.
Hope things get sorted fast for you
Purps xx

YES.

Ask to be put up in suites or similar at your employers expense, treatment of this sort in this day and age (and labour shortage) is not on

don't wait for some wicker bead curtain to be placed over the connecting stairs or a $25 microwave purchased in lieu of an oven - ship out pdq

Hi Nikki, yes I would say something, keeping quite is going to get you nowhere..have a word with your boss, after all he's the one footing the bill..it's unreasonable to expect your family to live without privacy..get it sorted sooner rather than later good luck

Hello

Indeed say something, but remain objective, and not emotional.

I had a similar experience, when I went to a Language school in France. I had asked for accomadation, which was 'within an family'. That was fine, however the place I was sent to, was a disaster. Matress didn't fit the bed, a curfew, meals were given to me the same as if I was her daughter, who had anorexia ( I definately wasnt'!) And more things but I can't remember.

Anyway - I was very sorry to have to report my situation, but VERY glad I did. I went to live with an amazing lady in a chateau who took in about 5 students at a time - the house was nothing but amazing (chateau more than house) - given all the freedom a student of 20 something would want, and was spoken to in french as expected.

I think you need to be diplomatic, but firm, and this is definately not the accomadation you were expecting.

Good Luck.

Bx

Hi Nikki

I think you should say something but I think your next question to BE is how you should say it.

You mention that your 'landlady' is also a nurse at the hospital that you will be working in. You don't want to get a bad name for yourself with all the other nurses before you start etc.

Good luck getting it all sorted diplomatically

I agree. Is someone paying for you to stay there, or is a help-a-newly-arrived-nurse friendly gesture? If I'd opened up my home and offered accommodation I genuinely believed was okay, I'd be offended if someone started complaining to hospital departments about my home or children without having a word with me first.

If I were you, I'd gently ask the homeowner for ideas to stop her children coming down unwanted. And I'd ask how to turn the heating up, pretend you don't understand/can't find the controls or whatever. I'd also go to store and buy whatever was missing - and take it with me if it was pricey, or leave it for the next nurse if not.

We've all had to slum it a bit waiting for our stuff, but it's only a short time... at least we had/have stuff coming, eh?!