Single furnished apartment for short stays

Business travelers, visitors to the area, families in town for events, and people between homes.

Nightly or weekly rate plus a cleaning fee, booked through listing sites or your own simple booking page. Income depends on location and how many nights you fill.

• Quick, friendly guest communication
• Organizing cleanings and turnovers
• Attention to detail so the place feels hotel-ready

• Many cities limit or ban short stays, or require a permit; check zoning and local rules before you start
• Lease, HOA or condo rules that forbid subletting or short-term guests
• Standard renters or homeowners insurance may not cover paying guests; ask about short-term rental or commercial coverage
• State and local lodging or occupancy taxes, and possible sales tax registration
• Income can be uneven across seasons, so keep a cash buffer for rent and utilities

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on furnishings, linens and setup. Monthly revenue is typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on location, season and how often the unit is booked.

Check whether your city limits or bans short stays or requires a permit, and review zoning. Also check lease, HOA or condo rules on subletting, whether your insurance covers paying guests, and state and local lodging or occupancy taxes.

Estimates start at around 8 hours a week, depending on how often you turn over the unit and how much guest support you handle. Helpful skills include quick, friendly communication, organizing cleanings and attention to detail.