Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals for Landlords in 2025: Which One’s Right for You?
Explore the pros, the profits, and the pitfalls—then manage it smarter with Nextpad Homes
The rental game has changed.
Thanks to platforms like Airbnb, evolving tenant preferences, and shifts in work-from-anywhere lifestyles, landlords now have more options than ever when deciding how to monetize their properties.
But with more options come more questions—especially when choosing between short-term rentals (STRs) and long-term rentals (LTRs).
In this post, we’ll break down:
✅ The pros and cons of each model in 2025
✅ What’s working in today’s market
✅ Key differences in time, income, and risk
✅ And how Nextpad Homes supports smart, self-managed rental strategies—whichever path you choose
Quick Comparison: Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals
Option 1: Short-Term Rentals (STRs)
Think: Airbnb, Vrbo, and flexible stays between 1–30 days.
Pros of Short-Term Rentals:
Higher income per night (often 1.5–3x what you'd earn monthly)
Flexible scheduling—you can block off dates for personal use
Potential tax benefits (if it qualifies as personal use property)
Ideal for high-demand tourist or business areas
Cons of Short-Term Rentals:
High turnover = more cleaning, restocking, guest messaging
Subject to local STR regulations (some cities limit or ban them)
Seasonal demand can make income inconsistent
Damage or party risk is higher
Requires furnishing and frequent maintenance
✅ Nextpad Homes helps you track STR income, manage expenses, and organize bookings—even if you self-manage.
Option 2: Long-Term Rentals (LTRs)
Think: 6–12+ month leases, consistent occupancy, and minimal turnover.
Pros of Long-Term Rentals:
Stable monthly income
Less time-intensive once a tenant is placed
Lower operating and maintenance costs
Easier to finance or refinance (banks love stability)
Typically lower regulatory scrutiny
Cons of Long-Term Rentals:
Less flexibility with your property
Lower gross income potential
Longer vacancy periods between leases
Eviction processes can be slow in some jurisdictions
Tenant quality is key—bad tenants can mean big losses
✅ Nextpad includes screening tools, lease automation, rent collection, and maintenance portals—so you can self-manage long-term tenants professionally.
Income Breakdown: Which One Pays More?
Let’s compare a 2BR property in a mid-sized city:
Short-Term Rental
$150/night × 20 nights/month = $3,000/month
Minus cleaning, supplies, platform fees = Net ~$2,300
Long-Term Rental
$1,800/month
Minimal monthly expenses (tenant pays utilities, no daily cleanings)
Net ~$1,700/month
Verdict: STRs can bring in higher revenue, but LTRs offer predictable profit and fewer variables.
What to Ask Before Choosing STR vs. LTR
What does your city allow?
(Many areas now regulate or limit short-term rentals.)How involved do you want to be?
(STRs = more hustle unless you fully automate or outsource.)What does the property lend itself to?
A furnished downtown condo may do great as an STR.
A single-family home in the suburbs? Likely better as an LTR.Do you want passive or flexible income?
STRs = flexible but variable
LTRs = passive and predictable
How Nextpad Homes Supports Both Rental Strategies
No matter how you rent your property, you need systems to manage tenants, track income, and stay organized.
With Nextpad Homes, you get:
Whether you’re optimizing for turnover or tenure, Nextpad gives you the professional-grade tools to run your property like a business.
Choose the Right Strategy for You
Short-term and long-term rentals both have their place in today’s market.
It’s not about which one is better—it’s about which one fits your goals, location, and lifestyle.
If you:
Want flexible use of your property
Live in a tourist or high-traffic area
Don’t mind managing guests or hiring help
→ STRs might be your path.
If you:
Want stability and less management
Live in a residential, family-friendly market
Prefer fewer tenant transitions
→ LTRs are probably the way to go.
And no matter which you choose—Nextpad Homes helps you manage it smarter.
👉 Ready to run your rental with less guesswork?
Use Nextpad Homes to manage income, maintenance, and communication—whether your tenants stay a week or a year.