Adjusters
We specialize in Additional Living Expense (ALE) placements — insurance-covered temporary housing for families displaced by a covered loss. Our team is dedicated to making the relocation process as seamless as possible for both you and your policyholders.
ALE Compliance & Documentation
How do you establish that your property meets Like-Kind and Quality (LKQ) standards?
Our monthly rate is based on current rental market data for comparable fully-furnished homes in the region. We look at bedroom and bathroom count, furnished status, available amenities, and ALE housing readiness to benchmark against properties of similar caliber. Upon request, we can provide a Fair Rental Value (FRV) Justification to support your claim file.
Do you work with ALE Solutions, Sedgwick, Alacrity, etc.?
We operate on a direct-placement basis and are fully equipped to work with your agency's intake process, documentation requirements, and payment workflow. We are actively pursuing listing with major ALE networks and are ready to onboard your preferred platform on request.
What is your process for ALE rate approval before move-in?
When you reach out about a placement, we provide a written quote that includes the monthly rental rate, any applicable fees, and an itemized breakdown of what is covered. That quote is designed to be submitted directly to your carrier or Relocation Management Company (RMC) for pre-approval. We do not move forward with a lease until approval and payment arrangements are confirmed.
Occupancy & Logistics
How quickly can a displaced family move in?
We maintain our home in a constant state of turn-key readiness to support expedited placements. Once the placement is approved, the lease agreement is finalized, and the initial payments are received, we aim to have families moved in within 24 hours.
How do you facilitate a 24-hour move-in?
Our cleaning team is scheduled to enter the home the moment a family moves out. They are prepared to turn the house around quickly so another family can move in as early as possible. We also keep all utilities and high-speed internet active at all times, which eliminates setup delays and provides a fully turnkey home for your policyholders on short notice.
Do you provide leasing flexibility?
Yes. We understand that restoration timelines can change. We offer flexible stay durations and can coordinate month-to-month extensions to ensure the family is not displaced a second time before their home is ready. We ask for a 30-day notice of intent to vacate so we can coordinate our cleaning team and be ready to turn the house around after move out.
What is the maximum occupancy for the property?
The home features six bedrooms with eight beds, comfortably accommodating families of up to 10 people for extended insurance stays. While a household of 4–8 people is typically ideal depending on your specific layout needs, our maximum capacity allows for up to 14 total occupants to easily accommodate temporary guest visits. If you have a large family or highly specific sleeping requirements, please contact us prior to placement so we can ensure the property is the right fit.
Is the property currently available for placement?
Our current availability is displayed on our homepage. For immediate placement inquiries, please contact us directly — we maintain our home in a constant state of turnkey readiness to support expedited move-ins within 24 hours of confirmed placement.
Billing & Fees
Do you offer direct billing?
Absolutely. We work directly with insurance carriers and relocation management companies to streamline billing and documentation, reducing the administrative burden on both the adjuster and the family.
What is the current monthly rate?
Our all-inclusive monthly rate is $8,493/month, which covers base rent, all utilities (capped at $1,000/month), high-speed WiFi, lawn care, and snow removal. Fair Rental Value documentation is available upon request.
Do you charge any fees beyond the monthly cost of rent?
Beyond the all-inclusive monthly rate, three additional charges may apply depending on placement specifics.
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Pet Fees & Rent: For families placing pets, fees are structured transparently into three tiers based on size to cover specialized post-stay cleaning and ongoing wear:
One-Time Move-In Fee: $500 per pet (non-refundable). This covers hypoallergenic deep cleaning and turnkey restoration upon departure.
Monthly Pet Rent:
- Tier 1 (Cats, dogs under 25 lbs, caged animals): $50/month
- Tier 2 (Medium to large dogs, 25–75 lbs): $75/month
- Tier 3 (Extra-large dogs, 75 lbs+): $100/month
Note: Service animals and emotional support animals are exempt from all pet fees per Fair Housing Act requirements.
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Utility Cap: All essential utilities — electricity, water, sewage, and gas — are included up to $1,000 per month. Usage beyond this cap is billed as a separate line item on the monthly invoice and requires adjuster authorization prior to processing.
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Lease Extensions: Month-to-month extensions following the initial term are available without interruption to accommodate unpredictable construction delays. Extensions are billed at a short-term adjusted rate of 20% above the initial base rate ($10,191.60/month), which waives long-term lease commitments and ensures the property remains exclusively available to the family for as long as they need it.
All charges appear on a single consolidated monthly invoice for straightforward claim file documentation.
How do you determine the monthly cost of rent?
The monthly rental rate is based on the Fair Rental Value (FRV) for a comparable 6-bedroom home in the Hamilton/regional area. We assess like-kind and quality by analyzing data for properties of similar size and amenities to ensure our pricing is competitive with the local market.
Is an upfront security deposit required from the family?
To support an easier transition, we work with the insurance carrier to handle security deposits whenever possible. We try to minimize the family's out of pocket expenses during an already stressful time. We require payment of security deposit before move-in.
How are damages handled?
We bundle a refundable security deposit into the first month's bill, handled directly with the insurance carrier whenever possible. To protect the home, we require all families to maintain active renter's insurance. We obtain photo documentation before every move-in to establish a clear baseline. If damages occur, we provide photo documentation whenever possible. In the rare event that damages exceed the deposit, we work closely with the adjuster to resolve costs through the policyholder's liability coverage or the claim file using repair estimates.
What happens if the ALE policy limit is approaching?
We rely on adjusters and relocation partners to keep us informed of the remaining ALE limit and the policy's coverage timeline. We do not have visibility into the claim file. If you share that information with us, we will flag upcoming lease renewal dates in advance so you have time to review coverage status with the insured and make a plan before the family faces an unplanned move-out.
Property Standards & Amenities
What is provided within the temporary home?
We provide a fully furnished, move-in ready experience. This includes premium linens, a fully stocked kitchen with Nespresso and Keurig machines, main floor laundry, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a dedicated workspace. We also provide a starter supply of essential household products to ease the transition when families first arrive.
Are there safety and security features on-site?
Yes. The home is equipped with smart locks for secure keyless entry, exterior security cameras and floodlights, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Can you accommodate guests with mobility or special needs?
While this 1920s Craftsman has a traditional second floor, it is well-suited for main-floor living with the master suite and laundry facilities located on the first level. The home offers nearly grade-level front door access, requiring only a single curb step. Please contact us to discuss any specific accessibility needs so we can explore the best way to support the family's transition.
Is the home fully equipped for a large family?
Yes. The home features multi-generational capacity, comfortably accommodating all ages. The main floor includes the master suite and a versatile bedroom with laundry access — ideal for those who prefer to avoid stairs. We also provide add-on baby and toddler packages to give the family options for babies and children.
What outdoor space is available?
The home features a backyard concrete patio and a private, partially fenced yard — providing an outdoor space for children to play and for leashed pets to get fresh air.
Are laundry and parking included?
Yes to both. The home includes a main floor laundry room with a high capacity washer and dryer, a private driveway, and a 2-car detached garage to provide covered parking.
How does the home's location support the policyholder's transition?
Located in a central area of Hamilton, our home offers proximity to most local loss sites. This keeps families closer to their community, schools, and the reconstruction project. Staying local minimizes daily disruption and allows the family to monitor their rebuild firsthand.
Has the property been professionally inspected?
We conduct a comprehensive move-in inspection before every placement covering heating and cooling (HVAC), plumbing, electrical, smoke and carbon monoxide detector operation, fire extinguisher status, and overall habitability. While we do not maintain a standing third-party home inspection report on file, our completed move-in documentation is readily available upon request. Additionally, we are happy to accommodate and facilitate an independent, third-party inspection prior to move-in upon carrier request.
Does the property carry landlord liability insurance?
Yes, the property is covered under the appropriate landlord insurance policy.
Is renter's insurance required from the policyholder?
Yes, we require all residents to carry active renter's insurance throughout their stay. In most displacement situations, the policyholder's existing homeowner's insurance extends personal liability coverage to temporary residences. If their existing policy does not cover the temporary residence, renter's insurance is inexpensive and can typically be arranged within 24 hours.
Service & Communication
Who manages maintenance and guest needs during the stay?
Our local housing team manages everything through a single point of contact for both you and the policyholders. This contact is available to handle any maintenance requests or questions that might arise.
Can you provide the necessary documentation for claim files?
Absolutely. We provide professional, itemized invoices and tailored ALE housing lease agreements. If you need any further documentation, we will work with you to provide what we can for the claim file.
How do you align with ALE guidelines?
We ensure our home meets like-kind and quality standards for displaced families. We aim to stay within your pre-approved ALE limits whenever possible and provide detailed invoicing where all rent, utilities, and fees are clearly itemized.
How does your property help with ALE cost mitigation?
We reduce overall claim costs by providing a high-capacity home that keeps the entire family — including pets — under one roof. A fully equipped kitchen and on-site laundry eliminate expensive daily reimbursements for restaurant meals, pet boarding, and off-site laundry services.
Pet Policies
Does your property allow pets?
Yes. Our Hamilton property features a private, partially fenced yard perfect for leashed pets to get fresh air. To ensure a smooth transition between families, we require pets to be vetted, house-trained, and non-aggressive. We review each pet on a case-by-case basis to ensure suitability for the home.
Will additional fees be charged for pets?
Yes. Our pet fee structure scales transparently with animal size to cover both upfront restoration and ongoing wear.
Move-In Fee: A one-time, non-refundable fee of $500 per pet is charged at move-in to cover specialized deep cleaning and turnkey restoration upon move-out.
Monthly Pet Rent: A recurring monthly fee is itemized into the housing invoice based on the animal's classification:
- Tier 1 — Cats, dogs under 25 lbs, caged animals: $50/month
- Tier 2 — Medium to large dogs, 25–75 lbs: $75/month
- Tier 3 — Extra-large dogs, 75 lbs+: $100/month
Note: Service animals and emotional support animals are fully exempt from all pet fees and rent per Fair Housing Act requirements.
Are there restrictions on pet type or size?
We ask that all pets be house-trained, non-aggressive, and current on vaccinations. While we do not enforce a strict weight limit, our pet fee structure scales based on the weight and size of the animal. Each pet is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to confirm suitability for the home. We do not permit exotic animals, reptiles, or livestock. If you have a question about a specific animal, please contact us before confirming the placement.
Policyholders
We understand that a sudden relocation can be overwhelming. Our team is here to support your family's transition into temporary housing as smoothly as possible.
Will my insurance company pay for this rental directly?
In most cases, yes. We work closely with your adjuster to coordinate Direct Pay. This allows your insurance company to handle the monthly rent payments directly so you don't have to front the cost out of pocket. We manage the billing coordination so you can focus on your family and your home's recovery.
How soon can our family move into the home?
Once your insurance adjuster or relocation company officially approves the placement and the initial paperwork and payments are confirmed, we aim to have your family settled within 24 hours. Our local team ensures the home is professionally cleaned, fully furnished, and move-in ready for your arrival.
Will we have to pay any out-of-pocket costs or a security deposit?
We aim to minimize out-of-pocket expenses for your family. While final coverage depends on your specific insurance policy, we coordinate directly with your insurance carrier or relocation company regarding the security deposit and monthly billing to minimize financial burden during your transition.
What is provided within the home?
This 6-bedroom home is designed for full-scale family living and comfort. The kitchen is stocked with cooking utensils and premium appliances, including Nespresso and Keurig machines and an air fryer. The bathrooms feature spa shower heads, towel warmers, and premium linens. We also provide high-speed internet, a dedicated workspace, and large TVs (up to 85 inches) in several rooms. You will find a starter supply of household essentials ready for your arrival to make the move-in process easier.
Can I bring my pets with me?
Yes! We know pets are important, and we want to accommodate them where we can. To keep the home in good condition for every family, we do require all pets to be fully vetted, house-trained, and non-aggressive, and we review them on a case-by-case basis before confirming placement. Our home features a private, partially fenced yard — a great space for leashed pets to get fresh air.
What is the parking situation at the home?
The home features a private driveway that leads to a 2-car detached garage available for your use. While the driveway is one car wide, it opens up behind the home to provide tandem parking for two vehicles directly in front of the garage. Because there is no street parking directly in front of the property, we provide these private off-street options for your convenience.
What happens if our home repairs take longer than expected?
We understand that construction timelines often shift. If your repairs are delayed, we work directly with you and your insurance adjuster to coordinate lease extensions whenever possible. Our goal is to provide a stable, consistent environment for your family until your home is fully ready.
How do I receive mail and packages?
Our home features a secure, built-in mail slot located by the front door. Mail can be easily accessed from the entryway inside. Packages can be delivered to either the front or back entrance.
What do we do if something breaks or stops working?
You will be provided with an email address and direct phone number for a single point of contact upon move-in. For non-urgent issues (like a minor appliance issue or a sticking door), we ask that you send an email or text with pictures (whenever possible). We typically respond within 24 to 48 hours to these non-urgent matters. For emergencies involving safety or essential services — such as a burst pipe, a loss of heat or cooling, or any issue affecting safety or habitability — please call that same number immediately to report the issue. We prioritize these emergencies to ensure they are addressed as quickly as possible, and you won't be left managing a problem on your own.
Is the neighborhood safe?
Our property sits in an established residential neighborhood adjacent to Kettering Health Hamilton Hospital. This proximity means the immediate area is exceptionally well-lit and benefits from the consistent, professional presence of hospital security and monitoring. To complement the neighborhood's naturally high visibility, the home is equipped with smart keyless entry locks, exterior security cameras, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for your family's peace of mind.
Are schools and daily essentials nearby?
The home is served by Hamilton City Schools. Grocery stores, pharmacies, doctor's offices, Spooky Nook, and popular coffee shops and restaurants are all within a short drive. Our location directly adjacent to Kettering Health Hamilton Hospital keeps you close to essential services and local infrastructure while allowing you to remain involved in your own home's restoration process.
Relocation Agents
We work closely with relocation agencies to provide seamless, insurance-compliant Additional Living Expense (ALE) housing for displaced families.
Can you accommodate urgent or after-hours move-ins?
Yes. We use digital smart locks on every entry to the home. Once a placement is approved and the deposit and first month's rent are received, we can facilitate a move-in within 24 hours — including evenings, weekends, and holidays — so your clients are not left waiting.
What do you provide to help ease the transition when families move in?
We want your clients to feel at home the moment they arrive. Our property is stocked with a starter supply of household essentials, from toilet paper to Nespresso pods, allowing families to settle in and rest right away rather than rushing out for supplies.
How do you handle maintenance and emergency repairs during a stay?
We provide a local, single point of contact for both you and the policyholder. If an issue arises, the contact communicates directly with the family to resolve it as soon as possible.
Do you allow for flexible lease extensions if repairs are delayed?
Yes. We understand that construction timelines often shift. We offer flexible month-to-month extensions and maintain communication with your agency to ensure the policyholder is not displaced twice.
Are you listed with ALE Solutions or major platforms?
We are actively pursuing listing with major ALE housing networks. We also operate on a direct-placement basis and are comfortable working within your agency's intake process. Reach out to us directly and we will adapt to your preferred workflow.
What is the property's capacity and who is it suited for?
The home is a 6-bedroom, fully-furnished property best suited for large or multi-generational families displaced from a primary residence. It accommodates up to 14 people depending on sleeping preferences. It is tailored for mid-term stays of 30 days or longer. The home is set up for families who need to live, work, and/or recover in place for weeks or months at a time.
What is the billing and documentation process for agencies?
We provide direct, monthly itemized invoicing to your agency or the carrier, covering base rent, utilities, standard administrative fees, etc. Every placement is backed by a signed lease agreement and formal move-in documentation. We process payments electronically to ensure a seamless workflow. If your organization utilizes a specific vendor payment portal or has unique documentation requirements, please notify us prior to placement so we can work with you to streamline the process.
How do you communicate with our agency during the placement?
You will have a direct, single point of contact with us from placement to move-out. We send advance notice of upcoming lease renewal dates so you are never caught off guard. If a family concern, billing question, or other issue arises, we contact you directly to resolve it as soon as possible.
Travelers
Whether you are here for work, an extended visit, or simply need a comfortable home base, The Cozy Craftsman offers a fully furnished alternative to hotels for mid-term stays.
Do I need to be an insurance claimant to stay at The Cozy Craftsman?
Not at all. While we specialize in ALE (Additional Living Expense) insurance placements, we welcome traveling healthcare professionals, seasonal workers, corporate guests, and anyone in need of a fully furnished home for an extended stay. Whether you are in Hamilton for a work assignment, a family visit, or a personal project, we offer flexible arrangements and amenities that hotel rooms simply cannot match.
What is included in the rental for travelers?
The home is fully-furnished with premium linens, a stocked kitchen with Nespresso and Keurig machines, high-speed Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, main floor laundry, and large TVs in many rooms. We also provide a starter supply of household essentials so you can settle in immediately without a grocery run.
What is the minimum stay for a traveler booking?
Our minimum stay for traveler bookings is 30 days. We are designed for mid-term stays — making us an ideal fit for project-based work, visiting family, or any situation that requires a comfortable home for an extended period.
Is the home pet-friendly for traveling guests?
Yes. We welcome vetted, non-aggressive, house-trained pets on a case-by-case basis to ensure perfect suitability for the home. The home features a private, partially fenced yard for leashed pets — a big upgrade from a hotel room for guests traveling with animals.
To cover specialized post-stay cleaning and wear, our fees are structured as follows:
One-Time Move-In Fee: A non-refundable fee of $500 per pet is required at move-in to cover specialized hypoallergenic deep cleaning and turnkey restoration upon departure.
Monthly Pet Rent: An ongoing monthly fee applies based on your pet's size classification:
- Tier 1 — Under 25 lbs: $50/month
- Tier 2 — 25–75 lbs: $75/month
- Tier 3 — 75 lbs+: $100/month
Please reach out to us with your pet's details when booking so we can provide the exact tier classification for your stay.
How do I book as a traveler?
Simply visit our contact page and fill out our contact form with your preferred dates and any specific needs. We will confirm availability on those dates and answer any questions you might have. From there, we have you submit a quick, simple application. Upon approval, we send you a lease agreement and payment details.
Lease & Legal
Answers to common lease and legal questions for our guests.
Who signs the lease — the insurance company or the policyholder?
Typically, the policyholder signs the lease as the Resident (tenant of record), while the insurance company or relocation agency signs a Payment Addendum to guarantee direct payment on the policyholder's behalf.
What is the minimum and maximum stay?
Our minimum length of stay for all types of guests is 30 days. We can accommodate stays of 18 months or longer depending on the scope of the home repairs or rebuilding process.
What happens if the home is repaired earlier than expected?
We include a Notice to Vacate clause specifically for insurance claim placements. With a 30-day notice, we can terminate the lease early once the policyholder's primary residence is deemed habitable.
Is renter's insurance required?
Yes, renter's insurance is required for all types of guests. In most displacement situations, the policyholder's existing homeowner's insurance includes Coverage E — personal liability — which typically extends to a temporary residence during a covered displacement. The adjuster should confirm with the insured that this coverage is active and applies to the temporary address. If the existing policy does not cover the temporary residence, affordable renter's insurance is widely available and can usually be arranged within one business day.
What are the landlord's obligations under Ohio law during the stay?
Under the Ohio Landlord-Tenant Act (ORC Chapter 5321), we are required to maintain the property in a fit and habitable condition, keep all utilities in working order, make repairs within a reasonable time after receiving written notice, and ensure functioning locks on all exterior entry points. We meet these obligations as a baseline. In practice, our pre-move-in inspection and proactive maintenance approach are designed to resolve issues before they become a legal matter for anyone.
Emergency & Safety
Your safety is our top priority. Here is how we handle emergencies and ensure every guest has a secure environment.
What is your protocol for an after-hours maintenance emergency?
We utilize a prioritized emergency reporting system for urgent, after-hours maintenance events. If a critical issue arises that impacts the safety or basic habitability of the home, our protocol triggers an immediate alert to our primary maintenance coordinator for expedited resolution.
Are your homes equipped with safety features like smoke alarms and CO detectors?
Yes. Every home undergoes a multi-point safety inspection before move-in, ensuring all smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers are present and fully functional.
What is the protocol for severe weather or a tornado warning?
The property features an unfinished basement that serves as the designated shelter area during severe weather. Local emergency protocols, county siren schedules, and local station tracking information are kept directly on-site in the guest welcome guide for the family's immediate access.
Does the property have a fire evacuation plan and safety features?
Yes. Our standard safety configuration includes functional smoke detectors inside all bedrooms, carbon monoxide alarms on every level, and dedicated ABC fire extinguishers placed on each floor of the property. A clearly mapped fire evacuation route tailored to the home's specific layout is located directly inside the guest welcome guide for the family's review upon move-in.
What happens if the heating or cooling system fails?
System failures are handled as an urgent maintenance priority. In the event of a breakdown during extreme weather, we contact our preferred HVAC technician immediately to schedule an expedited repair. If parts are delayed, coordination with the family and the insurance provider ensures that comfort is maintained and appropriate solutions are arranged.
What security features are present at the property?
The property utilizes keyless smart locks for managed entry, ensuring only authorized access for the family and approved maintenance personnel. Visible exterior security cameras and adequate lighting are maintained around primary entryways and parking areas. Additionally, the property benefits from the visibility, continuous lighting, and 24/7 neighborhood presence of the hospital located directly across the street.