If you’ve been asking what is a mid term rental, you’re not alone. The rental market used to feel simple: short term rentals for travel and long term rentals for residents signing a long term lease. But the way people live and work has changed, and now mid term rentals (also called a medium term rental or midterm rental) have become a go-to form of temporary housing for an extended period—without the pressure of a long term commitment.
A term rental in the mid term rental market generally means a furnished place where you’re paying rent for a few months (sometimes even starting at few weeks depending on local rules). It’s a practical solution for people moving to a new city, working temporary assignments, or simply needing mid term housing while life is in transition.
Defining Mid Term Rentals
A clear definition helps: mid term rentals are a mid term rental property rented for more than 30 days, often through flexible lease durations, without committing to long term residential leases. Many mid term rentals cater to people who need a home base that feels stable, but not permanent.
What you can usually expect in a medium term rental lease
- A written lease agreement with clear rental terms and rental agreements
- Monthly rent pricing (instead of nightly pricing)
- A furnished home setup—often marketed as fully furnished apartments
- Basic move-in readiness (kitchen essentials, Wi-Fi, linens, and simple house rules)
- A security deposit (commonly required to protect against property damage)
Because a mid term rental model sits between travel and housing, it’s designed for mid term stays where you want comfort, routine, and fewer disruptions.
Mid Term vs Short Term Rentals (and Why Duration Changes Everything)
The simplest way to compare short term and mid term is this: short term vacation rentals are made for quick trips, while mid term is built for living.
Short term housing vs mid term housing
- Short term rentals and vacation rentals: Great for a weekend getaway or a quick work trip, but frequent turnover can make them pricier and less consistent.
- Mid term leases: Better when you need a base for an extended period, want a predictable monthly budget, and prefer more stability than a hotel room.
For many remote workers, digital nomads, business travelers, and business professionals, the value is straightforward: the cost per night often drops when you shift from nightly pricing to monthly rent, while the space and lifestyle improve dramatically.
How Long Is a Mid Term Rental Stay?
Most mid term renters stay a few months, commonly 1–6 months, but you’ll also see variations like:
Typical mid term leases by use case
1–3 months
- Great for internships, short relocations, or temporary housing during transitions
- Common in college towns where programs run in blocks
3–6 months
- Popular for traveling nurses, rotating medical roles, and corporate projects
- Often aligns with temporary assignments and seasonal work cycles
6–9 months
- Useful for families re-establishing routines, or people who need time before choosing a primary residence
- Sometimes preferred when converting from a short stay into a longer arrangement (depending on local landlord tenant laws)
This is where “similar mid term rentals” can differ: the exact minimum and maximum stay may be shaped by local laws and market norms.
Who Uses Mid Term Rentals?
Mid term stays aren’t a niche anymore. The target audience keeps expanding as market demand grows.
Common mid term renters
- Remote workers and digital nomads testing a new city
- Business travelers and business professionals on longer projects
- Traveling nurses and other professionals on rotation schedules
- Families between homes (renovations, moves, separations, rebuilds)
- Students and interns, especially in college towns
Many people also use a mid term rental to avoid jumping straight into a traditional lease or dealing with the rigid nature of long term tenants and long term tenancy requirements.
Why Property Owners Are Leaning Into the Mid Term Rental Model
For property owners and property managers, mid term can be a smart middle ground between nightly rentals and year-long tenants—especially when managed well.
Benefits for a rental property owner
- Steady income with less churn than nightly guests
- Potential for consistent income without locking into long term rentals
- A chance to justify higher rental rates than a typical long-term lease (depending on furnishings and demand)
- Reduced tenant turnover compared to short stays, and fewer check-ins/check-outs than nightly bookings
This is especially helpful during off peak seasons when seasonal demand drops for short term rentals and short term vacation rentals.
Managing the risks (and keeping things smooth)
Mid term still requires smart operations:
- Screen prospective tenants carefully to avoid problematic new tenants
- Use clear house rules to prevent avoidable issues
- Set a fair security deposit to protect against property damage
- Define early termination terms inside the lease agreement
- Follow local landlord tenant laws and local laws for disclosures, deposits, and notices
Many operators also use property management software for messaging, maintenance tracking, billing, and documentation—because clean systems protect the business and the guest experience.
Mid Term Rentals vs Hotels: Why People Don’t Want to Live in a Hotel Room
If you’re staying beyond 30 days, hotels can start to feel limiting:
- Cooking is hard or expensive without a real kitchen
- You lose the “normal life” rhythm (laundry, storage, living room space)
- Costs add up fast compared to monthly pricing
That’s why a medium term option—especially a furnished place near essentials like grocery stores—often becomes the obvious upgrade.
Some mid term renters also search through a “furnished finder” type of approach (meaning: they want a furnished place quickly), but the real win is choosing a provider that offers clear support, reliable standards, and consistent quality.
Finding Mid Term Rentals in Los Angeles With ShortMidStay
If you’re considering Los Angeles for work, relocation, or lifestyle, you can explore options directly through shortmidstay.com:
- Start here: ShortMidStay Home
- Browse available places: All Listings
- Explore a curated category: Category Listings
For owners and operators who want consistent rental income
If you’re building an investment portfolio or want professional support for property management, these resources are worth reviewing:
- LA-focused management options: LA House Management Rentals
- Property management overview: Home and Property Management Los Angeles
- A deeper guide for decision-making: Los Angeles Residence Property Management Guide
- Interested in partnering? Partner With Us
- Questions or next steps: Contact ShortMidStay
The Bottom Line: What Is a Mid Term Rental and Why It Matters Now?
So, what is a mid term rental? It’s the “just right” housing option between fast-moving short term contracts and year-long commitments. In a changing rental market, mid term rentals give renters a comfortable, predictable way to live for a few months, while giving property owners a path toward steady income and stronger occupancy through shifting demand.
If you want Los Angeles temporary housing that feels like home for an extended period, explore what’s available on shortmidstay.com and find the mid term setup that matches your timeline, budget, and lifestyle.
