Long-Term vs. Short-Term Rentals: Comparing Wear and Tear on Your Property
Do Short Term Rentals cost more to maintain?
When deciding whether to rent your property on a long-term lease or as a short-term vacation rental, one of the most important factors to consider is wear and tear. Both models can be profitable, but they affect your property in very different ways. Understanding these differences can help you make smarter maintenance, budgeting, and investment decisions.
1. Frequency of Use and Turnover
Short-Term Rentals (STRs):
Short-term rentals—like those listed on Airbnb or Vrbo—see frequent guest turnover. Some hosts welcome new tenants every few days, while others have week-long or month-long bookings. This constant flow of guests means doors, locks, appliances, and furniture get more use. Frequent cleaning and staging between stays can also accelerate minor wear, like fading on fabrics or scuff marks on walls.
Long-Term Rentals (LTRs):
In long-term rentals, tenants typically stay for 12 months or longer. The property sees less turnover, which means less movement of luggage, fewer cleaning cycles, and fewer chances for accidental damage during move-ins and move-outs. However, since tenants "live" in the space daily, certain areas—like flooring, plumbing, and kitchen appliances—experience steady, ongoing use.
🧩 Bottom Line:
Short-term rentals experience more frequent wear from turnover, while long-term rentals experience more consistent wear from daily living.
2. Furniture and Decor
Short-Term Rentals:
STRs are usually fully furnished and styled for comfort and aesthetics. This adds to upfront costs and long-term maintenance—everything from couches to coffee machines will need periodic replacement. Because guests treat the space like a hotel, items like linens, towels, and décor endure heavier use and may need to be refreshed more often to maintain guest satisfaction and reviews.
Long-Term Rentals:
LTRs are usually unfurnished or minimally furnished, which means fewer items to replace or maintain. Tenants bring their own belongings, reducing your responsibility for wear on furniture and accessories.
🧩 Bottom Line:
Short-term rentals cost more in furnishing and ongoing upkeep, while long-term rentals shift most of that responsibility to the tenant.
3. Cleaning and Maintenance Cycles
Short-Term Rentals:
STRs require professional cleaning after every stay, which helps keep the property in near-perfect condition—but also exposes surfaces to more frequent cleaning products and handling. On the upside, this routine means property issues are caught early—like a leaking faucet or damaged appliance—before they worsen.
Long-Term Rentals:
LTRs typically get deep cleaned between tenants, meaning problems can go unnoticed for months. A tenant might delay reporting small issues, leading to bigger repairs later.
🧩 Bottom Line:
Short-term rentals incur higher cleaning costs but benefit from regular property checks. Long-term rentals cost less to maintain short-term but can risk bigger surprise repairs.
4. Impact on Major Systems and Surfaces
Short-Term Rentals:
Frequent guest use can be tough on locks, HVAC systems (due to constant temperature changes), and plumbing (as guests may not use fixtures with care). Flooring, walls, and entryways also tend to suffer from luggage and constant foot traffic.
Long-Term Rentals:
Since the same tenant occupies the property, the use of systems is more predictable and consistent. However, heavy daily use of appliances or bathrooms can still cause gradual deterioration.
🧩 Bottom Line:
STRs face more incidental damage and system stress from guest variability. LTRs face more gradual wear from continuous daily living.
5. Cost Implications and Depreciation
Short-Term Rentals:
Because of higher turnover and cleaning frequency, you’ll spend more on upkeep—but you’ll also likely earn higher gross income. Expect more frequent minor repairs and replacements (paint touch-ups, linens, light fixtures). Property depreciation may accelerate slightly due to more intense usage.
Long-Term Rentals:
Maintenance costs are more predictable and spaced out. However, since you can’t inspect the property as often, you may face occasional large repair bills when tenants move out.
🧩 Bottom Line:
Short-term rentals have higher but steadier maintenance costs; long-term rentals have lower but more unpredictable maintenance cycles.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Profit and Preservation
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—each model has trade-offs.
Choose a short-term rental if you prioritize higher income potential and can manage (or outsource) frequent maintenance and cleaning.
Choose a long-term rental if you value stability, lower day-to-day effort, and slower wear and tear on your property.
Ultimately, understanding how each rental strategy impacts your property’s physical condition helps you plan smarter—not just for income, but for the long-term value of your investment.
