Executive Rentals | How to Market to 30 day + Guests

Renting your short-term rental to traveling professionals who stay for 30 days or more can be a rewarding opportunity for property owners. They often travel for work and need places that feel like home while offering all the conveniences they require. Understanding their needs and marketing your property correctly can attract and keep them. This article will explain who these traveling professionals are, the benefits and challenges of hosting them and how to market your property to them.

Key Takeaways

• 30-day+ executive rentals offer stable, predictable income, with fewer turnovers, lower cleaning costs and often reduced tax obligations.

• Different professional groups have different needs, from business travelers and medical staff to digital nomads and students.

• Work-ready amenities drive bookings, especially fast Wi-Fi, ergonomic workspaces, full kitchens and laundry access.

• Specialized platforms outperform general OTAs for long stays, including CHBO, Furnished Finder and HouseStay.

• Longer stays require smarter screening and expectations, since discounted rates, eviction rules and guest quality matter more over time.

Traveling Professionals to Target For Your Short-Term Rental

Here's a closer look at some traveling professionals and what they look for in short-term rentals 

Business travelers

They are corporate executives, consultants and employees on extended business trips. They require comfortable and convenient spaces that facilitate both work and relaxation. Their top priorities are proximity to business districts, high-speed internet and well-equipped workspaces.

Medical professionals

Doctors, nurses and specialists on temporary assignments need reliable and comfortable housing. They prefer places near hospitals or clinics, quiet areas for rest and amenities like laundry facilities and fully equipped kitchens.

Digital nomads

These are remote workers and freelancers who travel while working online. They need strong internet connections, comfortable workspaces and sometimes social areas to connect with others. They also like places with fitness facilities and access to local attractions.

College students

Graduate students, visiting scholars and those on sabbaticals need temporary housing for semesters or academic projects. They look for places near universities, libraries or research institutions, good study areas and budget-friendly prices.

Short-Term Rentals for Traveling Professionals - The Pros and Cons

The pros

• Unlike short-term rentals, where guests come and go quickly, long-term rentals provide reliable revenue.

• With fewer check-ins and check-outs, your property experiences less wear and tear. This means lower maintenance costs and less time spent preparing the property for new guests.

• High occupancy rates ensure that your property remains rented for extended periods reducing the stress of constantly finding new guests and the potential loss of income during vacant periods.

• Fewer guests means you won’t need to clean as often meaning you save on cleaning costs.

• Longer-term renters bring or purchase their own toiletries, etc. so they require fewer amenities

In many counties/states, stays of 28-31 days and longer are exempt from short-term rental taxes.

The cons

• Long-term guests often expect higher standards in terms of comfort and amenities. Meeting these expectations might require a larger upfront investment in quality furnishings and regular maintenance.

• Long-term guests generally receive a discounted ADR when compared to short-term renters.

• Bad guests become a bad problem for a longer period. Guest screening is highly advised.

• Hosts have less access to the property and freedom to manage their rental.

In some states/counties, it can be harder to evict guests who stay for extended periods of time.

Amenities that Make Short-Term Rentals Appealing for Traveling Professionals

High-speed internet

Essential for remote work and online meetings. Make sure your property has reliable, fast internet and highlight this feature prominently in your listing’s description.

Ergonomic workspaces 

Just like you would at home, executives are likely to bring work back to their rented property at least some of the time. Digital nomads may even exclusively work from the home they’ve rented. Providing a quiet place to work that includes an adequately equipped and spaced workstation as well as an ergonomic chair to work from is paramount.

Fully equipped kitchens

Allow guests to prepare their own meals and save on dining costs. Highlight modern appliances, ample counter space and a variety of cookware and utensils in your listing.

Laundry facilities

In-unit or on-site laundry for convenience. Access to laundry facilities is a significant selling point for long-term guests who prefer to handle their own laundry.

Parking

Secure parking options for guests with vehicles. Clearly state the availability and security of parking options in your listing, as this can be a crucial factor for many professionals.

Cleaning supplies

Providing basic cleaning supplies allows the guest to do some basic cleaning in between visits by the cleaners.

TV

Providing a TV can make your vacation rental more attractive to long-stay guests while a subscription to cable or a streaming service can be a nice touch. Channels that Cater to Short-Term Rentals for Traveling Professionals

Airbnb

Popular for both short and long-term stays, with a specific section for business travel. Airbnb offers tools to help property owners attract business travelers, like a "Business Travel Ready" badge for listings that meet certain criteria.

Channels that Cater to Short-Term Rentals for Traveling Professionals

CHBO (Corporate Housing by Owner)

It specializes in corporate housing and connects property owners with business travelers. CHBO provides a platform where property owners can list their rentals specifically for corporate travelers, offering targeted exposure. CHBO does not charge a fee or commission from hosts or guests. Instead, hosts pay to have their vacation rentals listed on the site with packages starting at $399 a year. CHBO guarantees properties will rent within 30 days of the listing being activated.

Furnished Finder

Ideal for medical professionals and those seeking furnished short-term rentals. Furnished Finder connects property owners with traveling nurses, doctors and other medical professionals, making it a valuable resource for this niche market. Furnished Finder does not charge booking fees and does not get involved in the transaction, i.e. lease agreements and rental payments, between host and guest. Its partnership with Keycheck allows landlords to screen potential guests by running soft pull credit reports, background checks and eviction history.

HouseStay

HouseStay focuses on fully furnished, turnkey housing solutions for traveling professionals. It offers a platform for property owners to list their fully furnished rentals, attracting professionals who need move-in-ready accommodations. Guests must book for a minimum of 30 nights. HouseStay also performs in-depth background checks on both hosts and guests. The monthly rate includes all utilities.

FAQ:

Who are long-term stay executives?

Long-term stay executives are professionals such as business travelers, medical professionals, digital nomads and college students who need temporary housing for 30 days or more. They seek comfortable and convenient accommodations that cater to their specific needs.

What amenities do business travelers look for in a short-term rental?

Business travelers prioritize high-speed internet, well-equipped workspaces and proximity to business districts. Comfortable living spaces and quiet environments for relaxation are also important.

What are the advantages of renting to long-term guests?

Renting to long-term guests provides stable and predictable income, reduces property turnover and maintenance costs, ensures higher occupancy rates and decreases the frequency of cleaning.

What challenges might property owners face with long-term rentals?

Challenges include meeting higher standards of comfort and amenities, dealing with potential conflicts for longer periods, less frequent access to the property and the possibility of more difficult evictions.

What platforms are best for listing short-term rentals for traveling professionals?

Platforms like Airbnb, CHBO (Corporate Housing by Owner), Furnished Finder and HouseStay cater specifically to traveling professionals and offer features and services to help property owners attract long-term guests.

What essential amenities should be provided to appeal to traveling professionals?

Essential amenities include high-speed internet, ergonomic workspaces, fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, secure parking, basic cleaning supplies and entertainment options like TV with streaming services.