How I Met My Mid-Term Guests and Why You Should Consider Mid-Term Leases
Mid-term leases? They're like the chill older sibling of short-term rentals. They are super stable, have fewer cleanings/laundry, and make life easier - if you're lucky enough to land the right guests. Here's how I met mine.
Until Threads, the phrase "mid-term rental" wasn't on my radar.
If this is your first time reading about it, here's the quick rundown:
A mid-term lease is a rental agreement lasting more than a month but less than a year.
I first read about it on Threads while chatting with an Airbnb host from Alaska. Oddly enough, I realized I've already been doing mid-term leases without knowing it! My first was in March when a returning French guest extended his 15-night stay to a month.
Fast forward to now, and I'm officially in mid-term lease territory.
My current guests moved in around September, but I've had a few requests for a mid-term lease before. Some were fishing for discounts, and since my occupancy rate is usually 90% or more, I didn't need to stretch myself too thin.
The Inquiry That Caught My Attention
One guest stood out from the rest. She was transparent, friendly, and proactive. We instantly connected when she mentioned her wedding plans and asked if I could accommodate her and her new husband in the future after their brief stay at my place.
She even wrote this thoughtful review after staying at my place for 2 nights:
Miss Carissa's place was great! Same as the pictures but somehow better 😀 Check in was super easy, guards in the building were also very helpful. I forgot to bring shampoo and conditioner and luckily, Miss Carissa thought of it all! Shampoo, conditioner, coffee, aesthetic mugs, and dishes. She was also very easy to respond to if I needed anything, like wifi passwords for work. There's a grocery store on the ground floor, so additional needs are accessible. Location was also great- it's in the heart of the city, really near Oakridge, 20min drive to Ayala even if with traffic, near a church too. I brought a car too, so parking was supposed to be an issue but Miss Issa took care of it all. She's a magician 🪄 I will definitely be coming back!
Instead of renting an empty apartment and buying furniture, she figured moving into a fully furnished space made more sense for them as a newly married couple. She also didn't like the hefty security deposits in most condo units for rent.
I told her, "Sure, just let me know in advance." By August, she was back with her budget, and we agreed on a monthly rate.
I paid P1,500 to have the rental contract drafted and notarized, which is far less than the 15% commission Airbnb charges hosts and guests—making it a worthwhile investment. Since I opted to handle the booking directly, having a formal, enforceable agreement ensured that both the mid-term guests and I upheld our promises (terms and conditions).
That's three months of guaranteed income, minus the constant back-and-forth, laundry, or frequent cleanings.
Yet there are considerations...
Maintenance and Cleaning Considerations
I knew having someone stay longer could mean more wear and tear on the apartment. It's just how it goes, right? To keep things in good shape, I suggested we up the cleaning schedule to three times a month. She initially thought once a month would be enough, but I figured, why not keep things extra fresh? Plus, it keeps my cleaner busy (and earning extra) and gives me peace of mind.
I clarified to my guest that she also had a part to play: taking out the trash, keeping things tidy, and letting me know if anything needed fixing… you know, the basics! It's all about teamwork, right? That way, the apartment stays in excellent condition, and everyone's happy.
This experience showed me how important it is to be upfront and plan when dealing with mid-term stays. It's a different ballgame than those quick turnovers, and you've got to be a bit more hands-on to ensure things run smoothly for you and your guest.
Why You Should Consider a Mid-Term Lease
Mid-term leases offer a welcome sense of stability. I like the steady income and lower guest turnover.
Fewer guest transitions freed up my time to focus on other projects. I revived my blog, shared insights in a recent host webinar, and explored Threads to reach potential guests. Plus, I can say yes to more writing gigs and work on super-secret projects.
Last 2023, I struggled to get bookings in August, September, and October. Since travel is seasonal, a host must adapt and try mid-term leases to get through the low season.
This year, I filled August with a few returning guests. Relying only on Airbnb for marketing and leads for the following months could leave the property vacant, so switching to mid-term leases is a good strategy for the low season.
Have you considered offering mid-term stays? Start your hosting journey today with help from someone who has been through the ups and downs of hosting! List your space on Airbnb using the link below:
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