Understanding long-term rentals on Airbnb

In a world where professional and personal mobility is expanding, long-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb are becoming a flexible and efficient solution. This accommodation method responds to a growing demand from travelers seeking lodging for extended periods, ranging from one month to several months, or even a full year. Students looking for temporary housing in their university city, employees on assignment, or expatriates all benefit from this offering that combines flexibility and comfort. This form of rental provides a compromise between the rigidity of traditional leases and the flexibility of short stays, adapting to the current needs of tenants and owners.

Historically focused on short-term stays, Airbnb has expanded its range of services by highlighting long-term stays, meaning a minimum duration of 28 days. This rollout, aligned with trends seen on other platforms like Vrbo, Booking.com, or Expedia, opens new prospects for owners wishing to maximize the profitability of their properties without the constraints of intensive management associated with frequent rotations.

In this context, long-term rental via Airbnb must be approached from multiple angles: the specific rental conditions, the advantages and limitations for hosts and tenants, and the criteria to consider for optimizing this experience. It also requires a sound understanding of regulatory, tax, and alternative options available on competing platforms such as LeBonCoin, Homelidays, Tripadvisor, Pap.fr, SeLoger, or Welkeys. This comprehensive overview allows for a better understanding of the tangible opportunities presented by long-term rental in 2025.

1. What is long-term rental on Airbnb and how does it work?

Long-term rental on Airbnb refers to the possibility for a traveler to book a accommodation for at least 28 consecutive days. This option, introduced in 2011 through the “Airbnb Sublet” feature, has since evolved into a strategic segment of the platform, providing greater visibility and specific optimization tools for hosts and tenants.

This category of stay now has a dedicated search section, making it easier to access. For hosts, this means they can offer personalized discounts, weekly or monthly, tailored to the needs of long-term tenants. The cancellation policy is also adjusted, considering the extended nature of the stay.

For example, an owner with an apartment in Paris might decide to rent it out for nine months to a student coming to do their university year in the capital. This type of rental guarantees steady occupancy and simplified management, since occupant changes are less frequent. On average, properties listed as long-term rentals on Airbnb show stable profitability, provided the rates are well calibrated with monthly discounts and appropriate cancellation policies.

• 📌 Minimum stay of 28 days
• 📌 Possible discounts for weekly and monthly bookings
• 📌 Special cancellation policy for long stays
• 📌 Highlighted in a separate category
• 📌 Simplified management of tenant rotations

This option thus allows considering a new way to monetize real estate assets, reducing unoccupied periods while adapting to traveler needs. It is now important to understand the conditions and practices to maximize the benefits of long-term rental on Airbnb.

2. How to estimate the rental potential of your property for a long-term rental?

Before diving into long-term rental on Airbnb, it is essential to properly assess the potential of your property. This includes several aspects: the location, the configuration of the property, the demand in the targeted geographical area, as well as the competition on various platforms like LeBonCoin, Pap.fr, SeLoger, or Welkeys.

Fortunately, several online tools offer quick and reliable estimates. For example, some sites only require the address of the property and the number of bedrooms to provide an instant estimate of the expected monthly rent. These tools consider up-to-date market data, prices practiced on Airbnb and its competitors (Vrbo, Booking.com, Expedia, Homelidays, Tripadvisor), as well as the typical duration of stays in the region.

But relying solely on a rough estimate is insufficient. A more detailed analysis should consider:

• 📍 The type of interested travelers (students, professionals, expatriates);
• 📍 Seasonal fluctuations and local real estate dynamics;
• 📍 The quality and added services to enhance the offering;
• 📍 The level of equipment and furnishing of the property;
• 📍 Direct competition on Airbnb and other mentioned sites.

This thorough preparation helps set a competitive rent while maintaining room for maneuver. For instance, a high-end apartment in a lively neighborhood may command a more moderate discount than one located on the outskirts. Conducting in-depth research ensures better management of rental profitability and anticipates fluctuations in demand.

3. Advantages and specificities of long-term rental on Airbnb for hosts

For property owners wishing to offer their property on Airbnb, long-term rental provides several specific advantages. One key point is the reduction of unoccupied periods, which directly translates into optimized rental income. Instead of handling frequent short-term stays with all the associated work and uncertainties (managing check-ins/outs, frequent cleaning, updating listings), a long-term stay allows for simplified management.

Here are the main benefits:

• 🛏️ Less turnover: Fewer rotations, thus less cleaning and management costs.
• 💰 Stable income: A guaranteed rent for the entire period, often accompanied by a beneficial monthly discount.
• 📅 Simplified planning: Less stress related to constant reservations and guest searches.
• 📈 Increased visibility via Airbnb’s new ‘Long Stay’ category.
• 🔧 Flexibility over duration: You can choose to host a tenant for a few weeks up to several months.

Moreover, Airbnb has adapted its cancellation policy to the constraints of extended stays, helping avoid unfavorable situations in case of late cancellations. Offering an incentivizing monthly discount is also a powerful lever to attract long-term tenants.

It should be noted, however, that long-term rental requires an in-depth analysis of your expectations and obligations, especially considering local regulations that may vary. For professional management, some hosts choose to use specialized concierge services like those offered by companies such as Concierge Angels which provide comprehensive support.

4. Essential criteria for choosing a long-term rental on Airbnb

Selecting a long-term rental on Airbnb requires special attention to criteria that ensure comfort, safety, and suitability for your needs. Unlike a short tourist stay, a commitment over several weeks or months involves verifying specific details:

• 🛎️ Cancellation policy: favor listings with a “flexible” or “moderate” policy for greater security.
• 📍 Location: ensure the accommodation is close to amenities, transportation, and frequented places.
• 🛋️ Complete equipment: equipped kitchen, reliable internet, comfortable workspace, etc.
• 🔒 Safety: review reviews and property descriptions to avoid unpleasant surprises.
• 📅 Availability and flexibility: possibility to adjust the duration according to your actual needs.

Another important aspect is comparing rates across several long-term rental platforms, notably Airbnb, but also LeBonCoin, Pap.fr, Vrbo, Homelidays, or SeLoger. This approach helps you better understand the market and identify the best offer in terms of quality/price ratio.

Using advanced search tools on Airbnb also allows filtering listings dedicated to long-term stays. These filters facilitate selecting a property that meets expectations for a commitment of several weeks or months. For further insights, you can explore detailed tips on how to select long-term rentals.

5. Regulations and taxation to master for long-term Airbnb rentals

Renting a property for the long term on Airbnb is subject to legal and tax constraints. In France, rules vary depending on whether you are offering your primary residence, a secondary residence, or a property designated exclusively for rental. The law regulates the duration of stays, declaration obligations, the applicable tax regime, and specific urban planning rules for large cities.

It is important to note that the minimum duration of 28 days is a threshold after which certain rules change, notably regarding furnished rental taxation. Indeed, long-term rental is often considered as non-professional furnished rental (LMNP) under certain conditions, offering advantageous tax treatment, including the possibility of depreciation of the property.

Key points to know include:

• ⚖️ Legal minimum duration: 28 days to be considered long-term on Airbnb;
• 🏠 Municipal declaration: some urban areas require prior authorization for transforming into tourist rentals;
• 💼 Taxation: LMNP regime often preferred, with declaration of non-professional furnished income;
• 📝 Lease and contract: not always a traditional lease, but a rental contract via Airbnb;
• 📅 Maximum duration: in principle, long-term Airbnb contracts do not exceed 6 months to a year depending on the situation.

Before offering a property for long-term rental via Airbnb, it is recommended to consult with an expert or a specialized notary, for example through sites like Notaire Immobilier, to ensure full compliance.

6. Comparison between long-term and short-term rentals on Airbnb

Short-term and long-term rentals on Airbnb serve different needs and entail specific implications for hosts. This comparison helps to consider the best rental strategy based on your profile, your property, and your availability.

• ⏳ Duration of stay: several days for short-term, at least 28 days for long-term.
• 🔄 Logistical management: high frequency of hosting for short-term, low for long-term.
• 💸 Pricing: higher daily rates for short stays, monthly rates often with discounts for long-term.
• 🧹 Cleaning: regular cleaning required for short-term, less frequent cleaning for long-term.
• 📈 Profitability: short-term can be more profitable over short periods, long-term offers stability.

Choosing between these two options also depends on your lifestyle. If you have little time to manage the property, long-term rental may be better suited. Conversely, if your property is in a heavily touristy area, short-term rental can generate higher income during specific periods.

To deepen understanding of these differences, several specialized articles address the topic, including those available on Concierge Angels.

7. How to optimize the management of a long-term rental on Airbnb?

Efficient management of a long-term rental involves careful preparation and rigorous organization. Several aspects must be considered to maximize tenant satisfaction while making life easier for the owner.

Here are the recommended practices:

• 🗓️ Set clear rules from the listing, including respecting the property and using shared spaces.
• 📑 Use a tailored cancellation policy for long stays to reduce uncertainty.
• 🧹 Schedule periodic maintenance to maintain quality without disturbing the tenant.
• 🔧 Offer additional services such as concierge services for remote management or occasional cleaning.
• 📞 Provide reactive support to respond quickly to requests and prevent frustration.

Using a concierge service like Concierge Angels allows delegating all management tasks: from welcome to billing, including maintenance and cleaning. This outsourcing provides peace of mind and guarantees a smooth experience for both host and tenant.

8. Outlooks and trends for long-term rental in 2025

Long-term rentals on Airbnb are part of a broader evolution of the real estate market and travel habits. By 2025, demand for modular temporary residences is increasing, driven by professional mobility and hybrid lifestyles, such as remote work while traveling. This trend is reinforced by growth in long-term travel, with tenants seeking to settle for several weeks in a complete living environment, contrary to simple tourist stays.

Among notable observations:

• 🚀 Greater flexibility in rental durations and conditions;
• 🤝 Adding value to services such as concierge, quick maintenance, and personalized reception;
• 🌍 Broader profiles of tenants, including entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and families in transition;
• 🔍 More platforms offering similar services to Airbnb, increasing competition and opportunities (Welkeys, SeLoger, Pap.fr);
• 📊 Enhancement of rental income using artificial intelligence to dynamically adjust rates.

These trends suggest an evolving sector that benefits both property owners and tenants. By 2025, long-term rental on Airbnb will become an essential lever to capitalize on real estate in a more flexible and accessible way.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about long-term rentals on Airbnb

• ❓ What is the minimum duration for a long-term rental on Airbnb?
  The minimum duration is 28 consecutive days.
• ❓ Can discounts be applied to long-term stays?
  Yes, rates can be adjusted with weekly and monthly discounts to encourage extended stays.
• ❓ What are the risks associated with long-term rentals?
  Risks include vacancy, non-payments, or damages, although the tailored cancellation policy and proper tenant screening mitigate these risks.
• ❓ How to optimize the management of a long-term rental?
  It is advisable to set clear rules, schedule periodic maintenance, and consider using a concierge service if needed.
• ❓ Is long-term rental more profitable than short-term?
  Profitability depends on various factors. Long-term offers income stability, whereas short-term can generate higher revenues but less regularly.