A short-term rental (STR) refers to a property or part of a property that is rented out to guests for a brief period, typically anywhere from one night to a few weeks. These rentals are often listed on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com and can range from apartments and houses to rooms or even unique spaces like cabins or yurts.
Here are some key aspects of short-term rentals:
- Duration: Short-term rentals are typically defined by the length of stay, often less than 30 days. Longer stays might be categorized as "medium-term" or "long-term" rentals, depending on the area and regulations.
- Furnishing and Amenities: STRs are usually fully furnished and equipped with everything guests need for a temporary stay, such as linens, kitchenware, toiletries, and sometimes extras like Wi-Fi, cable TV, or even hot tubs.
- Purpose: They’re popular for travelers seeking accommodations that offer more flexibility, privacy, or a homier feel compared to traditional hotels. Short-term rentals are also used for business trips, vacations, or even temporary housing for people relocating or in-between homes.
- Hosts: The host is usually an individual or company renting out a property they own or manage. It’s common for hosts to list properties on multiple platforms to reach a larger audience.
- Legal and Regulatory Aspects: Many cities and regions have specific rules or restrictions about short-term rentals, such as zoning laws, licensing requirements, or limitations on the number of days a property can be rented out per year.
Short-term rentals a good way for property owners to earn extra income.