Those who drive on assembly usually pack the essentials – tools, work clothes, personal belongings. Whether bed linen and towels have to be brought or provided at the accommodation is a question that many fitters only ask themselves shortly before departure. And that can become a problem if the answer is not clear. When choosing a fitter’s accommodation, the equipment with bed linen and towels is therefore one of the first things that should be clarified – not just after arrival.
What is part of the basic equipment of a fitter’s apartment?
The equipment of fitter apartments varies considerably. Some landlords provide everything, others expect tenants to bring their own bed linen. There is no legal obligation – it depends on the respective agreement.
The basic equipment is for most reputable providers:
- Duvet and pillow per person
- Covers for blankets and pillows
- fitted sheets or sheets
- at least one towel per person
- A bath towel or a larger towel for the shower
Whether these items are included in the rental price or are provided for an additional charge is stated in the rental agreement or in the booking confirmation. If you book a fitter’s apartment directly from the landlord, you should ask in advance – preferably in writing, so that there are no misunderstandings.
Bed linen included or bring your own?
In the case of simpler fitter accommodations – especially private landlords – it is quite common for tenants to bring their own bed linen. This saves the landlord effort and keeps the rental price low. This is not a big problem for fitters who travel regularly: a compact travel bedding set can be stowed away to save space and is quickly at hand.
The situation is different with professional providers who rent out fitter apartments for companies or specialize in renting out working columns. Here, fresh bed linen is usually part of the standard equipment – and is changed between tenancies. This is not only a question of comfort, but also of hygiene.
How often is bed linen changed?
That also depends on the provider. For shorter stays – about a week – the bed linen often stays the same for the entire rental period. In the case of longer stays, a change is usual every one to two weeks. Anyone who rents fitters’ apartments on a monthly basis or has decided on a fitter’s apartment for long-term rent should clarify whether and how often bed linen is exchanged – and who organizes it.
Some landlords offer a laundry service where used bed linen is exchanged for freshness. Others provide a washing machine so that tenants can clean the laundry themselves. Both are a practical solution – as long as it is communicated in advance.
Towels – often underestimated, but crucial
Towels are even more common when booking compared to bed linen. They are at least as important in everyday life. If you shower after a long day at work and don’t have a towel on hand, you’ll know that at the latest at this moment.
In the case of craftsman accommodation or simple room rentals, towels are not automatically included in the equipment. In the case of professionally run fitter apartments, on the other hand, at least one towel should be available per person. The quality and condition of the towels are an indirect reference to the general care of the accommodation: faded, thin or stained towels indicate that other areas are not regularly renewed either.
What to do if bed linen or towels are missing?
Anyone who finds out that the approved equipment is missing on arrival should report this to the landlord immediately – and not tacitly accept it. In most cases, this can be clarified quickly. If the provision has been contractually agreed and if it is still missing, the tenant has a legitimate interest in subsequent delivery.
For emergencies, there are drugstores or supermarkets in most cities that have cheap towels and sets of bed linen. This is not a permanent solution, but a pragmatic bridging for the first night.
Bed linen and towels for corporate bookings
If you book fitter accommodation for employees as a company, you have a certain duty of care towards your employees. This also means that the booked accommodation is fully equipped. Bed linen and towels should be expressly confirmed when booking as part of the equipment – especially if several people move in at the same time.
In the case of fitter accommodation for working columns with four, six or more people, the need quickly adds up. A landlord who plans for such group sizes should have sufficient laundry available – and communicate the transparent. Companies that regularly book fitter apartments for companies should add this point to their checklist and specifically inquire about each new booking.
Hygiene and Quality Standards
Fresh linens and clean towels are not a luxury requirement – they are a minimum standard that any serious accommodation should meet. Hygiene is a key quality feature, especially for fitter apartments that are inhabited by changing tenants. Landlords who save here risk bad ratings and the loss of regular customers in the long term.
For fitters, if you want to be on the safe side, you pack your own towel – regardless of what the landlord offers. This costs little space and, if in doubt, saves unpleasant surprises after arrival. With everything else – bed linen, pillows, blankets – it is worth a clear conversation with the landlord before booking. Because if you want to experience temporary living as a pleasant experience, it’s best to start with the basics.