Should You Rent Your Home as a Short-Term Rental? How to Know If It’s the Right Move

Turning your home into a short-term rental can feel both exciting and intimidating. For many homeowners, platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer the promise of flexible income, lifestyle freedom, and a smarter way to make a property work for you. But is it always the right choice? And if so, how do you do it in a way that actually feels sustainable?

Let’s break it down.

Is Your Home a Good Fit?

Not every property is meant to be a short-term rental, and that’s okay. The best candidates usually share a few traits: they’re in or near a destination people want to visit, they offer something special (location, layout, outdoor space, design, or amenities), and they’re easy for guests to access. Beach towns, downtown areas, and charming residential neighborhoods near attractions tend to perform well.

But beyond location, ask yourself a few deeper questions. Are you comfortable having guests in your space? Are you willing to furnish, maintain, and reset the home often? And do you want active income that requires attention, not just a passive check? Short-term rentals can be incredibly profitable — but they are a hospitality business, not just a real estate investment.

What Makes Short-Term Rentals Worth It?

One of the biggest advantages is earning potential. In many markets, a well-run short-term rental can outperform a long-term lease, especially during peak seasons. You also keep more control. You can block off dates for personal use, adjust pricing as demand changes, and ensure the home is being cared for between stays.

There’s also something beautiful about sharing your home with travelers. When done well, short-term rentals become places where families reconnect, couples celebrate milestones, and memories are made — and that energy is something long-term renting just doesn’t provide.

How to Get Started the Right Way

If you decide to move forward, the foundation matters. Start by checking local regulations and HOA rules. Then run the numbers realistically — include cleaning, maintenance, supplies, utilities, insurance, and management costs. Profitability isn’t just about how much you make, but how smoothly it runs.

Design and guest experience are what truly separate successful rentals from average ones. Thoughtful decor, quality linens, stocked kitchens, and small touches go a long way in generating five-star reviews and repeat bookings.

This is where many owners either thrive… or burn out. Managing guest communication, turnovers, pricing, and issues can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re not local or don’t want to be on call.

The Case for Professional Co-Hosting

Working with a co-hosting company like Cove & Bloom allows homeowners to enjoy the financial upside without sacrificing their time, peace, or property care. A good co-host doesn’t just handle logistics — they elevate your home, protect your investment, and create an experience guests rave about.

Whether you want full service management or support in specific areas, having a trusted hospitality partner turns short-term renting from a stressor into a true asset.

So… Should You Do It?

If you value flexibility, income potential, and the ability to keep control of your property, short-term renting can be a beautiful fit. When done intentionally and supported by the right systems (and people), your home can become something more than a house — it becomes a destination.

And that’s where the magic really begins. ✨