This is our general Housing Policy and is based on common sense and past experience. Each apartment owner may have their own regulations which will be communicated to you upon entrance.

Security and Flexibility

BEST's policy is to separate housing from our program. Some interns prefer Spanish or Belgian roommates and some prefer to stay with family or friends so we try to give them flexibility and security together. We ask your preference on the application and set it up for your arrival. This is your security and means that you will not have to go to the bother or expense of staying in a hostel when you first arrive, living out of a suitcase and looking for a room in a new language and a new country if you do not want to.

There are some deluxe accommodations: studios, double and triple rooms but the majority of rooms are in what we term "student apartments" and we have phrased it this way to give the participant the idea that they are not too fancy. Some landlords provide cleaning. You are free to give 4 weeks notice in writing whenever you want. This is the flexibility.
 

Criteria

During the better part of the year lodging is hard to find so we have researched and work with a number of apartments where past participants have been happy and most importantly, where we know we can work with the landlady/lord. Our other criteria are location, safety, cleanliness, facilities, furnishing and repair but there are none which rate at 100% in all these aspects - only the Ritz hotel and that is not an option!

The rent includes all utilities, except telephone. There are no telephones in the apartments. We recommend buying a cell phone.

The accommodations are fully equipped. You usually do not have to bring towels or bed linen unless advised.

Cleaning of common areas may take place in some apartments. This includes living room, hallways, bathrooms and kitchen. You must wash the dishes and empty the rubbish yourselves.

For rooms costing the same the question of room size normally is determined on a first come, first serve basis.
 

Costs

As regards their cost some say they are expensive, others find them reasonable or cheap. This depends a great deal on where you come from, your point of reference. We think they are a fair price for short-term rentals in their location, condition and according to what the market is asking.

Many rooms require one months' deposit. The deposit is payable on or before arrival. This will depend on the landlord.

The method of payment is either in cash, by bank transfer or with credit card. You will be notified. Payment is always in Euros. In some apartments, BEST puts the deposit on account before your arrival so you will be billed by us. You always receive a receipt for the paid amount.

The deposit is returned to you on the last day of your stay at the same time as you return the keys. Should you lose your keys, there is a charge wich is deducted from the deposit. You are provided with a key to the front door of the building and apartment key(s). For security’s sake we bid you responsible use of these.

The owner reserves the right to deduct money from the deposit in case of any damage to the apartment or its contents.

Rent is calculated by weeks (4 weeks equalling one month.) and by night for extra nights and for friends and family sleeping in. The rent must be paid within the first three days of the month. You will be notified by your landlady/lord or by e-mail.
 

Things to Remember

The room is non-transferable and for participants in our programs. You cannot leave it to just-made friends, or sublet it.

You must notify BEST in writing by email
   • if you intend to invite friends or relative to spend the night.
   • if something is in disrepair.
   • if you would like to change rooms.
   • for permission to leave luggage after your date of departure.
   • To notify early departure.
   • To notify for extensions of the departure date.

You can vacate your room whenever you want as long as your landlord/lady has been notified 4-weeks in advance. Permission to extend your stay must also be requested with 2-weeks advanced notice in writing.
 

Eviction

Scandal, loud noise and lack of respect with the neighbours are justification for eviction. Please be good neighbours.

Firearms, animals and drugs are prohibited inside the apartment. BEST will not support you in the case of arrest for these matters.
 

Feedback

All participants are free to waiver the housing option on their applications.

Any feedback you might have we promise to take into account for the benefit of future participants.