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Flex-Week vs. Extended Stay: Which is Right for You?

The "Hybrid" Housing Model

At Carolina Furnished Rentals (CFR), we solve the problem of “Timeline Uncertainty.”

Most housing options force you into a box: Hotels allow daily stays but are expensive and cramped. Apartments require 6–12 month leases and credit checks.

We sit in the middle. We offer two distinct lease products designed for Displaced Families waiting on contractors and Travel Nurses with variable contracts: the Flex-Week and the Extended Stay.

The Two Lease Types

What is a "Flex-Week" Stay?

A “Flex-Week” is our short-term option, requiring a minimum of 7 nights.

  • Best For: Families in the immediate aftermath of a fire/flood (ALE), home buyers “testing” a neighborhood, or short-term corporate projects.
  • The Benefit: Maximum flexibility. You can extend week-by-week as needed (subject to availability).
  • The Trade-off: The nightly rate is slightly higher to account for higher turnover costs, and you must pay NC Occupancy Tax.

What is an "Extended Stay"?

An “Extended Stay” is a commitment of 30 nights or more.

  • Best For: Travel nurses with 13-week contracts, corporate relocations, or families with a confirmed 4-6 month repair schedule.
  • The Benefit: Lower nightly rates and guaranteed stability. You lock in your housing for the duration.
  • The Trade-off: You are financially responsible for the lease term, similar to a standard apartment.

Pricing & Utilities

Why is the weekly rate higher than the monthly rate?

Flexibility has a cost. The “Flex-Week” rate includes a premium to cover:

  1. Vacancy Risk: The risk of the property sitting empty between short bookings.
  2. Turnover Operations: Coordinating cleaners, inspections, and linens more frequently.
  3. Administrative Overhead: Processing weekly payments and extensions.

 

Note: Extended Stays are discounted because they provide guaranteed occupancy, allowing us to pass the savings to you (or your insurance adjuster).

Are utilities included in both options?

Yes. Whether you stay for 7 days or 7 months, you receive One Bill.

  • Includes: High-speed Wi-Fi (Fiber where available), electricity, water, gas, trash/recycling, and professional lawn care.
  • Benefit: You do not need to contact Duke Energy or the City of Raleigh to transfer utilities into your name, saving you hours of administrative headaches and setup fees.

01

Stays 1–89 Days:

Are subject to State and County Sales & Occupancy Tax (approx. 12-13% total, depending on the county).

02

Stays 90+ Days:

Are Tax-Exempt.

03

Important:

If you book a continuous stay of 90 days or more upfront, no tax is charged. If you extend a short stay until it exceeds 90 days, you may be eligible for a refund of taxes paid, credited back to your account.

Do I have to pay tax on my rental?

The "90-Day Rule" (NC Tax Law)

It depends on the length of your continuous stay. Under North Carolina law:

Strategies for Uncertain Timelines

Can I start with a Flex-Week and switch to Monthly?

Yes. This is a common strategy for Relocators and Displaced Families.

  1. The “Test Drive”: Book a Flex-Week to ensure the neighborhood (Cary, North Hills, etc.) suits your commute and lifestyle.
  2. The Conversion: If you love the home and your timeline extends, we can convert your reservation to an Extended Stay lease (locking in the lower rate for future dates), provided the dates are available.

What happens if my house repairs take longer than expected?

We offer First Right of Refusal to our current guests.

  1. Before we open your property to new bookings on the public calendar, we will check with you to see if you need to extend.
  2. However: You must communicate with us. If we do not hear from you or your adjuster by the renewal deadline, the dates may be sold to another displaced family.

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