A mid-term rental is a fully furnished property that’s leased for longer than a short-term rental (such as Airbnb or VRBO) but shorter than a traditional long-term lease. Typically, mid-term rental agreements range from 3 to 9 months.
Why choose a mid-term rental?
We see two main reasons owners choose this strategy:
- Flexibility of use – Some owners want to use their property part of the year while still generating rental income to help cover expenses.
- Local restrictions – In many areas, municipalities or HOAs are cracking down on short-term rentals. For owners who can no longer operate an Airbnb, a mid-term rental can be a great alternative.
Do mid-term rentals make more money?
The answer is: it depends. Some properties perform very well as mid-term rentals, while others struggle. The biggest factor is vacancy. Since leases are shorter than a year, there may be more frequent turnover and empty periods. For some owners, the higher rents can outweigh this risk—but for others, it may not pencil out.
What properties work best?
In our experience, the most successful mid-term rentals are:
- 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes
- Around 1,200–1,500 square feet
- Centrally located
While other types of properties can work too, this profile tends to stay consistently rented with lower vacancy.
What are the downsides?
The biggest challenge is the potential for higher vacancy—sometimes 2 to 3 months per year. Owners need to be prepared to absorb that cost. Another consideration is furnishing. Mid-term rentals perform best when fully furnished, and setting that up can be a significant upfront expense.