As an Airbnb host, you may have experienced the rush and excitement of managing short-term stays. But what if there was a way to enjoy steadier income, fewer turnovers, and longer-lasting relationships with your guests? Long-term rentals on Airbnb are an option that more hosts are exploring, especially as the demand for flexible living spaces grows among remote workers, traveling professionals, and families seeking temporary housing.

So, how can you know if transitioning to long-term hosting is right for you? In this guide, we’ll break down what makes long-term rentals different, the pros and cons of offering them, and actionable steps for getting started. Whether you're already considering listing your property for month-long stays or just curious about the potential perks, this post will walk you through everything you need to know.

What is considered a long-term rental?

On Airbnb, a stay of 28 days or more is generally considered a long-term rental. This setup appeals to guests looking for stability and affordability compared to daily or weekly stays. Longer stays on Airbnb cater to a variety of guest types, which we’ll get into below, and may come with different considerations, like pricing, maintenance, and guest expectations.

If you’re a host looking to stabilize occupancy or reduce the weekly churn, monthly rentals can offer some major benefits while also presenting unique challenges.

What is the difference between hosting long-term vs short-term rentals?

Hosting a long-term rental is a shift in mindset and operations from managing short-term guests. Think of short-term rentals as catering to vacation rental guests looking for a quick getaway, whereas long-term renters are typically looking for a temporary home away from home. Here are some of the main differences and considerations:

1. Pricing strategies

Typically, short-term rentals are priced higher per night to cover costs associated with frequent turnovers, cleaning, and rapid maintenance.

With long-term guests, nightly rates are generally lower, but occupancy rates are higher, and the steady income helps offset any reduction in nightly rate. For long-term bookings, it’s common to provide discounts for stays over a month or more to make them competitive and appealing to guests.

2. Guest management & experience

Short-term guests usually expect a high level of service, including frequent communication, welcome amenities, and immediate responses to questions or issues.

Long-term guests tend to need less day-to-day interaction and may treat the property more like their own home. Providing a more independent experience can be beneficial, but it also means setting clear expectations upfront.

3. Maintenance and operations

With frequent turnover, properties are cleaned and inspected often. This keeps properties in top shape but can be costly and time-consuming.

Long-term stays mean less turnover and fewer cleaning sessions, but regular check-ins are essential to catch maintenance issues early. Using tools like Breezeway’s property care platform can help schedule mid-stay inspections and streamline communication about maintenance needs.

4. Legal & regulatory considerations

Regulations for long-term rentals can vary significantly from short-term rentals and often involve lease agreements, tenant rights, and specific city or state laws. Hosts considering long-term stays should research local laws and consider consulting a legal professional to avoid potential issues.

What guest types do long-term rentals cater to?

Long-term rentals attract a unique set of guests, often with different goals and expectations than short-term visitors. Here are some guest types typically interested in longer stays:

• Remote workers and digital nomads: With remote work becoming more common, many professionals are seeking flexible living arrangements that allow them to experience new cities or environments while working from “home.”
• Business travelers and corporate stays: Business travelers or travel nurses on extended projects often prefer long-term rentals over hotels for comfort, amenities, and cost-effectiveness.
• Students and interns: Students or interns in search of student housing for a semester or season may look to Airbnb for convenience and flexibility over traditional leases.
• Families in transition:  Families who are relocating, renovating, or dealing with insurance claims might need a temporary family-friendly rental that offers the comforts of home.

Pros and cons of offering long-term rentals as an Airbnb host

Pros

1. Stable income: Long-term bookings provide consistent income over weeks or months, reducing the hustle of filling last-minute vacancies.
2. Lower turnover costs: Hosting fewer guests results in less frequent cleaning and maintenance, helping to save time and money.
3. Less frequent management: Long-term guests typically require less communication and are more self-sufficient, which means less time spent managing messages and reservations.
4. Reduced seasonality impact: If your market has strong seasonal fluctuations, long-term rentals can smooth out revenue across quieter months.

Cons

1. Lower nightly rates: To stay competitive, long-term rentals often come with lower nightly rates than short-term stays.
2. Potential for wear and tear: Long-term guests use the property as a primary residence, which can mean more sustained use and potential for wear.
3. Complex legal landscape: Regulations surrounding long-term rentals are often more complex than those for short-term stays, especially in areas with tenant protections.
4. Limited flexibility: Committing to long-term rentals can restrict your flexibility to pivot back to short-term hosting without notice.

How to offer Airbnb monthly rentals: A step-by-step guide

Ready to try long-term hosting? Listing your property for a month or more on Airbnb is a straightforward process, and it can open up exciting opportunities for your hosting business. With just a few simple adjustments in pricing, availability, and guest communication, you can make your property appealing to long-term renters and open the door to stable, month-to-month income. Here’s a simple guide to get your property ready for long-term guests on Airbnb:

How to set up your listing for long-term stays

If you already have a listing for short-term guests, you can easily adapt it for long-term bookings. Go to your Airbnb dashboard and find the listing you want to update. From there, you can adjust your settings to encourage longer stays:

1. Adjust your minimum and maximum stay settings: In your listing settings, navigate to the "Booking Settings" section, where you can set a minimum stay requirement. Set this to 28 days or longer to ensure that guests can only book for a month or more. You can also set a maximum stay length if you’d like to cap longer bookings at a certain number of months.
2. Set discounts for monthly stays: Airbnb’s pricing options allow you to offer discounts on weekly or monthly stays. Navigate to the "Pricing" section and look for the "Length of Stay Discounts" option. Setting a competitive discount for month-long bookings can make your listing more attractive to potential long-term guests.
3. Update your calendar and availability: Make sure your calendar is up to date, especially if you’re offering both short-term and long-term options. Airbnb allows you to block dates for specific times or set preferences for certain months, so if you’re aiming to attract long-term guests during off-peak seasons, update your calendar accordingly. This flexibility can help you maintain higher occupancy rates even during quieter months.
4. Stay on top of regulations and policies: Make sure your listing complies with local and state laws for long-term rentals. This might involve specific taxes, permits, or lease agreements.

How to attract long-term rental guests

Successfully attracting long-term guests to your Airbnb property requires a thoughtful approach to marketing, amenities, and customer service. Long-term guests have different priorities than short-term visitors, so it’s essential to adjust your listing and communication strategies accordingly. Here are some effective ways to make your property appealing to month-long or longer-stay guests:

1. Optimize your listing title and description for long-term appeal
   Use phrases like “Ideal for Extended Stays,” “Perfect for Remote Work,” or “Long-Term Discounts Available” in your listing title or description. Emphasize features that appeal specifically to long-term guests, such as “fully furnished,” “workspace with reliable Wi-Fi,” “nearby public transit,” or “kitchen with full amenities.”
2. Emphasize home-like comforts and essential amenities
   Long-term guests are often seeking a place that feels like home, so providing the right amenities is key. Include essentials like:
   
   • High-quality bedding and extra linens for comfort during a long stay.
   • A fully equipped kitchen with all necessary appliances, cookware, and storage options.
   • Washer and dryer or easy access to a laundry room or laundry facilities in apartment rentals.
   • Air conditioning and heating for temperature control in house rentals or apartment rental units.
   • Reliable, high-speed Wi-Fi and a designated workspace, which are must-haves for remote workers.
   • Storage space, such as closets, drawers, and cabinets, which helps long-term guests settle in.
   • Outdoor space, including parking information and access to free parking. Yard space or local parks for pet-friendly listings. Family-friendly amenities like a pool, hot tub, fire pit, or playground.
3. Offer discounts and flexible pricing for extended stays
   Airbnb allows hosts to offer weekly and monthly discounts, which can make your property more attractive for longer-term stays. Consider setting a competitive monthly rate that reflects the value you’re providing while accounting for reduced turnover costs. Use local market research to set a fair rate that appeals to guests without compromising profitability.
4. Use high-quality photos to showcase long-term living potential
   Whether your property is an apartment rental, condo, guesthouse, townhouse, or full house rental, long-term guests will want to see that the property is comfortable for daily living. In your listing photos, highlight spaces like the living room, workspace, full kitchen, and any storage areas. Show off cozy details such as seating areas, a dining table for meals or work, and inviting decor. If possible, stage the space to look warm and lived-in, which can help guests imagine themselves staying longer.
5. Highlight your property’s location and nearby conveniences
   Long-term guests often want easy access to essentials, so mentioning nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and public transportation can be a big selling point. If your property is in a desirable location for remote work or offers easy access to coworking spaces, dining, and recreation, make sure to include this information. This context can help long-term guests envision themselves enjoying the neighborhood.
6. Provide flexible check-in and check-out options
   Long-term guests may have different schedules and arrival times than short-term guests. If you can, offer flexible check-in and check-out options to accommodate varied schedules. This flexibility can be a significant draw, especially for professionals on the move.
   
   It’s important to be upfront about expectations and establish clear house rules including cancellation policies, pet requirements, and extra visitors. Set boundaries around noise, cleaning expectations, and guest responsibilities, as long-term guests may treat the property more casually.
7. Respond quickly and encourage open communication
   Building trust is important when someone is considering a long-term stay. Respond promptly to inquiries, and provide detailed, honest answers to questions about amenities, location, and any special requests. Encourage open communication so that guests feel comfortable reaching out during their stay, which can also lead to a high average rating, positive reviews, and referrals.
   
8. Promote your long-term availability on multiple platforms
   In addition to listing on Airbnb, consider promoting your long-term rental on other platforms or websites that cater to longer stays, such as Furnished Finder, Corporate Housing by Owner, or local university housing boards. Cross-promoting can increase visibility, especially to guests searching specifically for longer accommodations.
9. Use Breezeway to streamline operations and keep up with maintenance
   Guests who stay for a month or more expect the property to be well-maintained and functional. Scheduling regular check-ins and upkeep can ensure that the property remains in top condition and that guests’ needs are met throughout their stay. Breezeway’s property operations software can help you plan maintenance, schedule inspections, and automate communication, so you can provide seamless, reliable service to long-term guests.
   

How to decide if long-term rentals are right for your Airbnb hosting business

Choosing to offer long-term rentals on Airbnb can be a rewarding shift, offering steadier income and less turnover. However, it requires a different approach to operations, pricing, and guest management. By leveraging technology like Breezeway to handle mid-stay inspections, automate guest communication, and streamline maintenance, you can maximize your property’s potential while delivering a great guest experience.

Whether you’re looking to add long-term rentals to your portfolio or transition entirely, taking a balanced approach can help you make the best decision for your Airbnb business. Long-term rentals aren’t right for every property or every market, but for many hosts, they offer an exciting way to attract a different type of guest and build a more resilient hosting business.

With the right tools, mindset, and preparations, long-term hosting could become the next best chapter in your Airbnb journey.