Mid-Term Rental Strategy: The 30+ Day Opportunity

Between the high turnover of traditional short-term rentals and the inflexibility of year-long leases lies an increasingly attractive middle ground: mid-term rentals. These 30+ day stays are capturing a growing segment of renters who need more than a vacation but less than a permanent address, and smart property owners are positioning themselves to serve this demand.

Mid-term rentals offer compelling advantages: reduced turnover costs, more predictable income, less intensive management, and often more favorable regulatory treatment. For many property owners, this strategy represents the optimal balance of returns and effort. This guide explores how to successfully enter and thrive in the mid-term rental market.

Understanding the Mid-Term Rental Market

What Defines Mid-Term Rentals?

Mid-term rentals typically refer to furnished accommodations rented for 30 days to 12 months. This timeframe distinguishes them from:

• Short-term rentals: Less than 30 days, vacation-focused
• Long-term rentals: 12+ months, traditional lease agreements
• Mid-term sweet spot: 1-6 months is most common, with 3-month stays particularly popular

Why the Market is Growing

Several factors are driving demand for mid-term rentals:

• Remote work revolution: Location-independent workers want flexibility
• Traveling professionals: Healthcare workers, contractors, consultants
• Corporate relocations: Companies moving employees need temporary housing
• Life transitions: Divorce, renovation, between homes
• Try-before-you-buy: People exploring new cities before committing
• Extended medical stays: Patients near treatment centers

Who Rents Mid-Term?

Understanding your potential tenant base helps you market effectively and set appropriate expectations.

Traveling Healthcare Professionals

Perhaps the largest and most reliable mid-term rental segment:

• Travel nurses: Contracts typically 8-13 weeks
• Allied health professionals: Physical therapists, respiratory therapists, lab techs
• Traveling physicians: Locum tenens doctors filling temporary positions
• Characteristics: Reliable income, professional, often have housing stipends
• What they need: Proximity to hospitals, reliable WiFi, quiet rest environment

Corporate Professionals

• Project-based workers: Consultants, auditors, implementation specialists
• Relocating employees: Transitional housing while finding permanent residence
• Training assignments: Employees at corporate facilities for extended training
• Characteristics: Often company-paid, expense account standards
• What they need: Professional environment, workspace, business amenities

Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

• Location-independent workers: Trying out different cities
• Slow travelers: Preferring extended stays over constant movement
• Seasonal relocators: Escaping weather, seeking change
• Characteristics: Flexible on exact dates, price-conscious
• What they need: Excellent WiFi, dedicated workspace, interesting location

Life Transition Renters

• Home sellers: Sold their home, seeking while finding next one
• Divorce/separation: Need immediate housing during transitions
• Renovation refugees: Can't live in home during major work
• Insurance claims: Displaced by fire, flood, or other damage
• Characteristics: Often local, may have pets, flexible on move dates
• What they need: Full household functionality, pet-friendly options

Advantages of Mid-Term Rentals

Reduced Operational Costs

Longer stays dramatically reduce your per-booking expenses:

• Cleaning costs: One turnover every 30-90 days vs. weekly
• Supplies: Guests provide more of their own consumables
• Platform fees: Lower or eliminated on longer bookings
• Time investment: Less guest communication and coordination

More Predictable Income

• Guaranteed occupancy: Booked months in advance
• No seasonal gaps: Fill slow seasons with extended stays
• Steady cash flow: Monthly payments like traditional rentals
• Easier budgeting: Know your income months ahead

Regulatory Advantages

Many jurisdictions treat 30+ day rentals differently than short-term:

• Exempt from STR regulations: Many cities only regulate stays under 30 days
• No permit requirements: Treated as standard rental activity
• HOA friendly: Often allowed even when STRs are banned
• Tax treatment: May avoid lodging/occupancy taxes

Lower Management Intensity

• Fewer turnovers: Less coordination with cleaners
• Tenant responsibility: Guests often handle minor issues themselves
• Established relationship: Build rapport that reduces problems
• Professional guests: Working professionals tend to be respectful

Revenue Comparison

Understanding how mid-term rental income compares to other strategies helps you make informed decisions.

Typical Rate Structure

• Short-term (STR): $150-$300/night in many markets
• Mid-term (MTR): $2,500-$5,000/month in same markets
• Long-term (LTR): $1,500-$2,500/month unfurnished

Net Revenue Analysis

While STR gross rates are higher, net revenue tells a different story:

Example: 2-bedroom property in midsize city

• STR approach: $175/night average, 65% occupancy = $3,469/month gross, minus $400 cleaning, $300 supplies, $350 platform fees = $2,419 net
• MTR approach: $3,200/month, 95% occupancy = $3,040/month gross, minus $100 turnover costs = $2,940 net
• Result: MTR nets more with significantly less effort

Setting Up for Mid-Term Success

Property Preparation

Mid-term renters have different needs than vacation guests:

Furniture and Furnishings

• Quality over theme: Comfortable, durable furniture over Instagram-worthy decor
• Full household: Everything someone needs to live, not just vacation
• Work-from-home setup: Proper desk and ergonomic chair
• Storage space: Closets, dressers, places to actually unpack
• Full kitchen: Complete cookware, dishes, pantry staples

Technology and Connectivity

• High-speed internet: Minimum 100 Mbps for remote workers
• Smart TV with apps: Let guests use their own streaming accounts
• Reliable cell signal: Or WiFi calling capability
• Printer access: Nice-to-have for professional guests

Practical Additions

• Washer and dryer: Essential for extended stays
• Iron and ironing board: Professional guests often need these
• Vacuum cleaner: Guests maintain their own space
• Basic cleaning supplies: For guest use during stay
• Extra linens: So guests can change bedding themselves

Marketing Mid-Term Rentals

Platform Options

Different platforms serve different mid-term renter segments:

Furnished Finder

• Focus: Traveling healthcare professionals
• Fee structure: Annual listing fee (no booking percentage)
• Audience: Nurses, allied health, physicians
• Booking process: Direct contact between host and tenant

Airbnb Monthly

• Focus: Extended stays on mainstream platform
• Fee structure: Lower fees for 28+ day stays
• Audience: Mixed - remote workers, relocations, travelers
• Advantage: Built-in trust and payment protection

Facebook Groups

• Focus: Direct bookings, specific professional groups
• Fee structure: Free
• Audience: Travel nurses groups, corporate housing groups
• Note: Requires more vetting and direct communication

Corporate Housing Platforms

• Options: Corporate Housing by Owner, Zeus Living (now Anyplace)
• Focus: Business travelers, relocation services
• Fee structure: Varies by platform
• Audience: Company-sponsored housing needs

Listing Optimization for Mid-Term

• Title: Include "Monthly" or "Extended Stay" prominently
• Photos: Emphasize workspace, storage, practical amenities
• Description: Speak to professional needs, not vacation experiences
• Pricing: Show monthly rate prominently, offer longer-stay discounts
• Location: Mention proximity to hospitals, business districts, highways

Pricing Mid-Term Rentals

Monthly Rate Calculation

Start with market research and adjust for your property:

• Research furnished rental rates in your area
• Compare to long-term rental rates (typically 1.5-2x unfurnished)
• Factor in your operating costs and target margin
• Consider seasonal adjustments (less dramatic than STR)

What's Included

Mid-term rentals typically include:

• All utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet
• Basic cable/streaming: Or let guests use their accounts
• Lawn care/HOA: If applicable
• Initial supplies: Toilet paper, paper towels, basic toiletries

Utility Caps

Protect yourself from excessive utility use:

• Include reasonable utility allowance in monthly rate
• Specify overage charges for excessive use
• Example: "Utilities included up to $150/month; tenant pays overages"
• Smart thermostat can help monitor and set limits

Length-of-Stay Discounts

• 2-3 months: 5-10% discount from monthly rate
• 4-6 months: 10-15% discount
• 6+ months: 15-20% discount
• Longer commitments justify lower rates through guaranteed occupancy

Tenant Screening for Mid-Term

Mid-term tenants require different screening than short-term guests:

Verification Steps

• Employment verification: Confirm they have the job/assignment they claim
• Income verification: Ensure they can afford rent (2.5-3x monthly rent)
• References: Previous landlords or housing providers
• ID verification: Government-issued identification
• Background check: Credit and criminal background appropriate

Professional Credential Verification

For traveling healthcare workers:

• Ask for assignment letter from staffing agency
• Verify nursing license if applicable
• Confirm facility and assignment dates
• Most will readily provide this documentation

Legal Considerations

Lease vs. Rental Agreement

Your legal document should address mid-term specific concerns:

• Term definition: Clear start and end dates
• Renewal options: Process for extending the stay
• Early termination: Penalties and procedures
• Furnished inventory: Document all items and condition
• Utility responsibilities: What's included, caps, overages
• Maintenance responsibilities: Who handles what

Security Deposits

• Typically one month's rent
• Know your state's deposit laws
• Document property condition thoroughly at move-in
• Create detailed inventory of furnishings

Insurance Considerations

• Standard homeowner's insurance may not cover furnished rentals
• Landlord/rental dwelling policies often appropriate
• Require tenant to carry renter's insurance
• Consider requiring you as additional insured

Hybrid Strategy: Combining STR and MTR

Many successful hosts use a hybrid approach, maximizing returns throughout the year:

Seasonal Approach

• Peak season: Short-term rentals at premium rates
• Shoulder season: Accept both, prioritize profitability
• Off-season: Target mid-term rentals for stable income

Booking Management

• List on both STR and MTR platforms
• Sync calendars carefully to avoid conflicts
• Set minimum stays on Airbnb during slow periods
• Remove or pause MTR listings when peak season approaches

Financial Optimization

Example annual strategy:

• Summer (3 months): STR at $200/night, 75% occupancy = $13,500
• Fall (3 months): Mix of STR and MTR = $9,000
• Winter (3 months): MTR at $2,800/month = $8,400
• Spring (3 months): Mix of STR and MTR = $9,600
• Annual total: $40,500 with balanced effort throughout year