The top 5 benefits of using a travel management company (TMC) for long-stay accommodation and housing solutions in the UK

The top 5 benefits of using a travel management company (TMC) for long-stay accommodation and housing solutions in the UK

Whether you’re planning ahead for staff training or finding accommodation for displaced tenants, securing reliable long-term stays isn’t always straightforward. You’re balancing comfort, compliance, and cost — all while coordinating across departments and meeting pressing deadlines.

When you’re trying to manage everything in-house, things can quickly get complicated. Rates fluctuate, availability shifts, and details slip through the cracks. What should be a simple task becomes a time-consuming process that puts more pressure on already stretched teams.

That’s where a travel management company (TMC), like arrangeMY, can make a real difference. We work with housing associations, councils and relocation partners across the UK to streamline long-stay bookings and take the pressure off internal teams.

In this article, we’ll walk through five practical reasons to partner with a TMC, and what that partnership could mean for your people, your residents, and your budget.

1. Consistent access to better rates and availability

A good TMC has direct connections with trusted hotel groups and serviced apartment providers, giving you access to competitive rates and better availability, even in high-demand areas.

That means no scrambling around online or settling for what’s left. And for housing teams operating under tight budgets, a few pounds saved per night can quickly add up.

2. One point of contact for complex requirements

Whether you’re supporting a vulnerable resident through a temporary move or arranging accommodation for staff attending a multi-day training event, every long stay comes with its own set of requirements. That could mean step-free access, walking distance to public transport, space for families, pet-friendly policies, or simply somewhere with kitchen facilities so residents or staff can feel more at home.

When you work with a TMC, your team doesn’t have to chase multiple providers or repeat the same information over and over. You get one point of contact who understands your requirements and can coordinate every detail, efficiently and reliably.

3. Full visibility over spend and usage

When you’re managing long-stay bookings across multiple teams or departments, keeping track of usage and spend can become a major headache. Without a centralised system, you’re left piecing together reports, chasing invoices, and trying to get a clear picture of what’s been booked and why.

A TMC gives you the visibility you need, with centralised reporting, consolidated invoicing, and real-time updates that make it easier to stay compliant, manage budgets, and plan with confidence.

4. Reliable support, even when plans change

Plans change. Whether a resident needs to extend their stay, or a team member has to cancel last minute, having a flexible support system is vital.

Responsive support matters, especially when plans change at the last minute. The right TMC will step in quickly, coordinate with providers, and help minimise disruption and avoid penalties, so your team stays focused on the people they support.

5. A process that’s consistent, compliant and scalable

In housing, every booking carries responsibility. Teams must act quickly, but also carefully, to ensure placements are safe, suitable, and fully compliant with internal policies and external regulations.

A TMC gives you a structured, repeatable process built around accountability. That means placements are handled in a way that meets safeguarding expectations, keeps residents and staff safe, protects sensitive information in line with data regulations, and makes it easier to demonstrate financial transparency. It’s a way to reduce risk without adding complexity, especially when the pressure’s on.

And whether you’re managing a single placement or scaling up during an emergency, the process stays simple, auditable and under control.

Ready to simplify your long-stay accommodation?

When you’re managing bookings for residents or staff, you need a setup that supports your team, not one that slows them down.

Our free housing guide is built for busy teams who manage long-stay accommodation. If you work in the housing sector, you’ll find sector-specific insights, a real case study, and practical steps to strengthen your emergency response. And if you’re booking long stays for staff, events or training, you’ll still benefit from the checklists, guidance and real-world advice to simplify your setup and stay in control.

Download the guide now — and keep it close for the times when things get busy.

If you’d like to talk through your current setup or explore how arrangeMY can support your team, get in touch today. We’re always here to help. No pressure, no hard sell, just straightforward support when you need it most.