14 May Denver Mid-Term Rental Market: How to Transition from Short-Term Rentals
Denver’s Mid-Term Rental Market: How to Transition from Short-Term Rentals
As Denver tightens local regulations on short-term rentals (STRs), property owners are increasingly seeking compliant, profitable alternatives to avoid costly legal issues. Midterm rentals, also referred to as medium-term rentals, are furnished properties that are leased for 30 days or more—striking the ideal balance between the flexibility of STRs and the reliability of long-term rentals.
Amid evolving market conditions, rising interest rates, and fluctuating Denver rents, the Denver midterm rental market is experiencing rapid growth and is in growing demand. Driven by the needs of digital nomads, corporate travelers, and relocating families, demand is surging. So why are so many property owners making the switch—and how can you reduce vacancy rates and boost cash flow with this rental model?
Understanding the Legal and Financial Benefits of Mid-Term Rentals
1. Do I Need a Permit for Mid-Term Rentals in Denver?
Denver and other cities in the United States have placed heavier restrictions on STRs, including:
- Primary residence requirements (STRs must be owner-occupied in many areas)
- Strict permitting processes and additional lodging taxes
- Zoning limitations that make new STR licenses harder to obtain
Midterm rentals, however, typically do not require STR permits in most jurisdictions, allowing property owners to operate legally with mid to long term leases without added expenses or compliance risks.
2. How Can Mid-Term Rentals Help with Cash Flow?
Recent industry reports show that midterm rentals have grown by 94% year-over-year. According to AirDNA, 28+ day stays now account for over 20% of Airbnb’s total bookings—a 71% increase since pre-2020 levels. This reflects a strong shift toward the Denver area embracing longer stays.
Unlike STRs that suffer from seasonal dips, midterm rentals offer:
- Longer stays, reducing vacancy rates and turnover costs
- Reliable monthly income not dependent on nightly bookings
- Less reliance on tourism trends or short-term demand spikes
3. Who Rents Mid-Term Rentals in Denver?
The Denver midterm rental market serves a wide variety of tenant types and property types, from furnished single-family homes to apartment complexes. Common renters include:
- Business professionals on extended work assignments
- Digital nomads and remote workers seeking flexible housing
- Families relocating and needing short-term furnished homes
- College students looking for temporary housing
- Homeowners needing temporary housing due to insurance claims
Platforms like Furnished Finder report over 240,000 listings across the United States, reflecting how diverse the tenant base is for this rental model.
4. How Do Mid-Term Rentals Reduce Maintenance Costs?
Short-term stays bring high turnover—cleaning, communication, and upkeep. With midterm rentals, the longer lease length (typically 30–120 days) reduces:
- Deep cleans and repairs between guests
- Wear and tear on furnishings and appliances
- Administrative work like processing lease agreements and check-ins
Reduce turnover costs further with vacation rental turnover cleaning services tailored for mid-term and STR properties.
How to Successfully Manage a Mid-Term Rental
1. What Are the Best Platforms to List My Mid-Term Rental?
Beyond Airbnb, top platforms for midterm rentals include:
- Furnished Finder – great for traveling nurses and corporate guests
- Corporate housing networks and apartment complexes
- Local relocation and insurance housing services
2. What Amenities Do Mid-Term Renters Expect?
To attract quality tenants, include:
- High-speed internet
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Laundry access
- A dedicated workspace
3. How Do I Set Pricing for My Mid-Term Rental?
Avoid static pricing. Use dynamic, AI-based tools that reflect:
- The Denver market rental rates
- Seasonal trends and market demand
- Property location and property type
4. Should I Hire a Property Management Company?
Midterm rental management involves fewer guests but longer contracts. Hiring a local property management company or property manager can help:
- Manage listings and guest communication
- Ensure smooth handling of lease agreements
- Maintain compliance with city rules and taxes
Highline offers turnkey property management and mix-and-match services that allow you to customize support based on your needs.
Is Mid-Term Rental Management Right for You?
If you’re a real estate investor or property owner who wants to:
- Earn steady rental income
- Reduce vacancy rates
- Avoid the burden of STR permitting
- Minimize maintenance and turnover
Then mid-term rental may be the ideal strategy. Whether you’re investing in the Denver metro, Breckenridge, Vail, or Winter Park, mid-term management is a legal and profitable path forward.
Work With Experts in Mid-Term Rental Property Management in Denver, Colorado
At Highline Management, we specialize in short-term and mid-term rental property management, helping owners stay compliant with local laws and improve performance of their property investments across the Denver rental market.
We manage properties throughout downtown Denver, Capitol Hill, Park Hill, City Park, Washington Park, and the greater metro Denver area. With strong demand for furnished rentals in the Mile High City, especially from traveling professionals and relocating families, midterm rentals offer a reliable investment strategy for cash flow.
Our services include full property management and property maintenance, along with customized pricing strategies that reflect market trends and neighborhood dynamics.
Call 303-883-8998 or contact us here to discuss your goals and optimize your rental strategy in Denver and the surrounding Rocky Mountains region.
Citations:
- Azibo Blog – Mid-Term Rentals Guide (2024).
- Skift Short-Term Rental Summit (2024) – Jeff Hurst, Furnished Finder CEO discussion.
- AirDNA / Skift Research (2023) – Longer stays on Airbnb.
- Denver City Council Ordinance (2016) – STR licensing and primary residence requirement.
- City and County of Denver – Short-Term Rental Official Rules.
- Furnished Finder – Travel Nurse Housing Trends 2024.
- Key Data – AI-Pricing for Vacation Rentals.