Those executives often seek to rent housing during their short stays, so it's sometimes possible to find a good rental agent in the relo department.

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Here's a concrete suggestion that's less well known: Find an agent who also brokers rental properties in your price range.

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If your agent knows the local rental market, he or she will be comfortable telling you what it would cost to rent equivalent housing nearby.

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For prepaid hotels and rental cars, check back with your agent daily to see if the policies have been updated.

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Next, make a list of the phone numbers and Web addresses for your travel agent, airline, hotel, rental car company, and any other travel related contacts.

FORBES: Travel Tips for Hurricane Irene and Other Weather Disasters

Call your travel agent or the airline, hotel or rental car company.

FORBES: Travel Tips for Hurricane Irene and Other Weather Disasters

These are important to have, as cancellation and change decisions are made by the airline, hotel, and rental car company, Mr. Ek said, so the travel agent is going to abide by the instructions received from those companies.

FORBES: Travel Tips for Hurricane Irene and Other Weather Disasters

It is possible to handle the letting yourself, but if you do call in a managing agent, it is likely to cost about 15% of your rental income.

BBC: Buy-to-let - the pros and cons

To determine that figure, exclude his or her Social Security benefits (except for any portion that was taxable), but include all pensions, dividends, interest, rental income and wages, says Andy Stadler, a tax preparer and enrolled agent in Terre Haute, Ind.

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