Travelers aren’t just booking weekend getaways anymore—they’re staying longer, living lighter, and blending work with leisure. That’s where medium-term rentals, typically 30 to 90 days, come in. In 2025, this sweet spot is more popular than ever, thanks to the rise of remote work, digital nomads, and people in between life transitions like relocations or extended projects.
These guests want more than a hotel room, but they’re not ready to sign a year-long lease either. Airbnb is stepping up to meet this demand, and so are savvy hosts. In the sections ahead, we’ll explore why medium-term rentals are booming, how Airbnb is adapting, and what both guests and hosts need to know to make the most of this growing trend.
The Rise of Medium-Term Rentals
Medium-term stays are having a moment—and the numbers prove it. Airbnb has reported a 94% year-over-year jump in bookings lasting 30 days or more, with the average medium-term guest staying around 55 days. That’s a big shift from the weekend warrior traveler to guests who are settling in for a while.
So who’s driving this trend? It’s not just retirees or people between homes. Remote workers, digital nomads, traveling professionals, and even families in transition are all leaning into stays that let them live like locals without locking into long-term leases. These guests want comfort, flexibility, and the space to both work and unwind.
Airbnb has clearly taken note. Since the pandemic, the company has doubled down on long-term and medium-term stays. As of 2025, 17–18% of Airbnb’s bookings fall into this category—up from just 13–14% before COVID. That’s a significant slice of the business, and it’s only growing. Airbnb’s evolving platform reflects this shift, offering features and incentives tailored to guests staying a month or more.
Advantages of Medium-Term Rentals
Medium-term stays offer a win-win for both hosts and guests.
For hosts, the benefits are pretty straightforward. With guests staying a month or more, you’re not scrambling to clean and flip your property every few days—less turnover means fewer headaches. Income becomes a bit more stable too, especially compared to the ups and downs of short-term bookings. And in many places, medium-term rentals fly under the radar when it comes to strict short-term rental regulations, making it a safer bet legally.
For guests, it’s all about comfort and flexibility. Renting for 30 to 90 days is often cheaper than booking a hotel, especially when you factor in kitchens to cook in and space to actually live in. Plus, they get the convenience of a furnished place without being tied to a year-long lease.
Regulatory Landscape
The rules around short-term rentals are changing fast—especially in the U.S. Cities like New York and San Francisco have already cracked down, requiring registration, limiting the number of nights a property can be rented, or banning certain types of short stays altogether. These moves are often aimed at preserving housing stock and curbing investor-driven rental takeovers.
As a result, many local governments are starting to favor medium-term stays—those 30 days or longer—as a compromise. In places like Los Angeles and Seattle, these longer bookings often avoid the strictest short-term rental rules, making them a safer bet for hosts.
But laws vary by city and county, and they’re constantly evolving. For hosts, staying compliant isn’t optional. Understanding local ordinances is key to avoiding fines and keeping your Airbnb business running smoothly.
Optimizing Listings for Medium-Term Guests
If you want to attract guests staying 30 to 90 days, your Airbnb listing needs to go beyond the basics. These travelers aren’t just vacationing—they’re temporarily living in your space. Here’s how to set your listing up for success:
1. Essential Amenities
Medium-term guests expect comfort and function. Make sure your space includes:
- High-speed Wi-Fi – a must for remote workers and streamers alike.
- Dedicated workspace – even a small desk and comfortable chair will do.
- Fully equipped kitchen – think pots, pans, sharp knives, and a decent coffee maker.
- In-unit laundry – huge bonus for longer stays, especially with families or working professionals.
2. Pricing Strategies
Encourage longer bookings with smart pricing:
- Offer weekly and monthly discounts—they’ll help fill your calendar and reduce turnover.
- Use dynamic pricing tools to stay competitive while reflecting stay length and seasonality.
3. Clear Communication
Longer stays require a bit more clarity up front:
- Outline house rules specific to medium-term guests (e.g., quiet hours, guest limits).
- Be upfront about maintenance routines like lawn care or filter changes.
- Share helpful info on local services—grocery stores, gyms, hospitals, etc.
4. Legal Considerations
In many areas, stays over 30 days can trigger different legal responsibilities:
- Research local landlord-tenant laws, as guests may gain tenancy rights.
- Create clear rental agreements where needed, especially if local regulations require them.
By focusing on what medium-term renters truly need, you can turn your listing into their ideal temporary home—and keep your calendar consistently booked.
Emerging Markets and Opportunities
Not all places are created equal when it comes to medium-term rental demand. Markets like Flagstaff, Charleston, and Joshua Tree are seeing strong growth, offering a mix of charm, affordability, and access to nature—perfect for guests seeking extended stays.
Urban centers still attract steady demand, especially from professionals and remote workers, but rural and coastal areas are catching up fast, offering a quieter lifestyle with better bang for the buck. It’s not just about location, though—it’s about who you’re hosting.
Traveling nurses, digital nomads, and families in transition all have different needs. A well-stocked kitchen, fast Wi-Fi, or flexible check-in options can make all the difference. The opportunity is in understanding your market and tailoring your space to the right kind of guest.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Airbnb is doubling down on tech to make longer stays more seamless. Expect tighter integration of services—think cleaning, local experiences, even workspace access—built right into the booking process. For eco-conscious travelers, demand for sustainable stays continues to rise. Listings with energy-efficient appliances, recycling options, and green certifications are standing out in search results.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The medium-term rental space faces its own set of challenges. Market saturation in some cities means more competition for hosts. Regulations are shifting fast, especially as local governments react to housing concerns. And with economic uncertainty still in the mix, travel budgets can tighten quickly. Still, for hosts who adapt and plan ahead, the opportunities in the 30–90 day niche remain strong—and growing.
The Bottom Line
Medium-term rentals offer the best of both worlds—stability for hosts and comfort for guests. With longer stays, hosts enjoy fewer turnovers, predictable income, and often less wear and tear. Guests, meanwhile, get a more affordable, home-like experience without the commitment of a year-long lease. As the travel landscape continues to shift, adapting to the 30–90 day rental segment isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.
Whether you’re a seasoned host or just exploring your options, now’s the time to tap into this growing market. Need help managing longer stays? RedAwning’s full-service property management is built for today’s rental demands—seamless, guest-friendly, and optimized for extended bookings. Learn more and make the most of your property with RedAwning by your side.