The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Furnished Apartments for Mid-Term Rentals
The rental market often presents a paradox with limited and abundant options so finding your perfect mid-term rental may be daunting. However, research shows a clear trend in temporary living.
Bedford by Rove Travel | West Village | Townhome w/ Private Garden & Rooftop
Driven by work, family, and lifestyle changes, modern expectations have changed housing demands. Finding the best furnished apartment for your mid-term stay shouldn’t be difficult.
In this article, you’ll discover how to find the best-furnished apartments for mid-term rentals. We offer tips and insights to help you find the best furnished properties.
What is a Midterm Rental?
Everyone has booked a 2-3 night hotel stay or signed a contract for a one-year lease. Yet, for some mid-term rentals remain a mystery.
To shed light on this matter, mid-term rentals refer to furnished apartments or homes rented for one month to twelve months. These rentals offer flexible housing solutions for those needing an extended stay longer than short-term rentals but shorter than a long-term commitment.
What Are the Benefits of Mid-term Rentals?
Short and long-term rentals have their appeal, but mid-term rentals offer advantages only available with fully furnished mid-term rentals. The benefits are as follows:
Flexibility
Mid-term renters enjoy flexible lease terms that cover one to twelve months. It’s a chance to live in a space with the convenience of 'feels like home' without committing to a long-term lease.
Furnished Comfort
Fully furnished apartments save time, money, and back break from buying or moving furniture. And for those looking to settle in quickly to get on with their routines, it's an unmatched convenient comfort.
Cost-Effective
Often more affordable than extended hotel stays, it's a budget-friendly solution for longer residences. Also, some platforms will reward you with a discount when you book accommodations for longer than 30 days.
Home-Like Amenities
These rentals often have access to full kitchens, a living room, and other home comforts that short-term accommodations lack. While hotels and short stays are fun and comfortable, sometimes home essentials lift the burden of not being at home.
Location Variety
Availability in multiple locations -- from urban centers to quieter suburban neighborhoods -- the flexibility to choose mid-term rentals is nearly limitless.
Madison Place by Rove Travel | Tribeca | Penthouse w/ Private Terrace
Who Mid-term Rentals Are Best Suited for
Considering mid-term rentals are a unique approach to settling into a temporary sanctuary, it's important to understand who could benefit most. Do any of these scenarios sound like you?
Business Travelers
Mid-term rentals give business travelers the chance to live like a local while on extended assignments. These apartments are the perfect mix of function and relaxation so you enjoy a work-life balance while traveling. With full kitchens, large living areas, and reliable wifi, mid-term rentals ensure your stay is productive and fun.
College Students
For students, mid-term rentals are a great option for housing that goes beyond the academic year. These furnished spaces ensure a seamless transition between semesters, internships, or programs abroad. With shorter lease terms and fully equipped living spaces, students can focus on their studies and enjoy the experience.
Families in Transition
If you’re going through a big change (moving or waiting for a new home), mid-term rentals are a lifesaver. These temporary havens provide a stable and comfortable space during homeownership uncertainties. With all the amenities and a sense of normality, mid-term rentals help ease the stress of the transition and allow you to settle in quickly, preparing you for your next steps.
Homeowners Undergoing Renovations
If you need to temporarily move out of your home for renovations, mid-term rentals are the perfect solution. You can think of it as a vacation get-away, while your main home undergoes renovations. With fully furnished spaces and essential amenities, you can reduce the stress of maintaining a daily routine.
Digital Nomads
Mid-term rentals for digital nomads are a match made in heaven. They provide a perfect balance of stability and flexibility. A quality furnished apartment will (more often than not) include amenities required for remote work. Whether it's high-speed internet or dedicated workspaces, nomads can get meaningful work done anywhere in the world.
Travel Nurses
Whether it's staff shortages, opportunities for career advancement, or the freedom to work in multiple locations, mid-term rentals are an easy move-in for nurses who need to focus on their jobs without the hassle of long-term commitments or lugging furniture from place to place.
Madison Place by Rove Travel | Tribeca | Penthouse w/ Private Terrace
Key Factors to Consider
Before you book your medium-term rental, there are some important factors to consider to get the most out of your stay. Some things you should consider are:
Location and Neighborhood
Safety always comes first, but keep in mind (if you're commuting) that the proximity to work or school must meet your scheduling expectations. Location is everything when it comes to planning daily routines, so choose wisely.
Apartment Size and Layout
Judging apartment size and layout can get tricky when exploring spaces using photos or virtual tours. It may be difficult to gauge what square footage feels like. If possible, visit in person to get the full experience. Check the reviews of previous rentals to gauge satisfaction rates.
Amenities and Services
Look for key amenities like in-unit laundry, a gym, and parking. Carefully evaluate your needs for a productive/enjoyable stay. Managing expenses is important, but knowing what will add to your quality of life is also worth noting.
Rent and Budget Considerations
Balance the costs with the benefits by setting a realistic budget. Consider all expenses -- including utilities, amenities, and gear rental and weigh them against the apartment's features and location.
Lease Terms and Lease Agreement
Understand the lease agreement thoroughly, including flexible and fixed lease options. Ask yourself whether it aligns with your stay duration and check for any clauses related to early termination or extension to retain your security deposit.
Top Tips for Finding Furnished Apartments
Charles Court by Rove Travel | West Village | Duplex w/ Garden
As exciting as it is to book a beautifully furnished mid-term stay, it can also be time-consuming and tedious. Here are some tips to speed up the process:
1. Online Rental Platforms
Check out online rental platforms like Zillow, Airbnb, and Rove Travel to compare options. These platforms have detailed listings, photos, reviews, and pricing – everything you need to know. Use the search filters to avoid trawling hundreds of listings that aren’t for you.
2. Local Real Estate Agents
Local real estate agents are priceless when finding the perfect furnished apartment for your mid-term stay. They know the local market well, so it’s an exclusive experience. Plus, they can handle negotiations and paperwork, so you save time and effort.
3. Community Forums and Social Media
Facebook Marketplace, Reddit, and neighborhood forums often have local postings about rentals and personal experiences. Networking in these communities can help you find high-quality rentals that are not listed on mainstream websites.
4. Visit in Person
Digital tours and great photos can be convincing. Visiting in person is safer. With an in-person visit, you can see the apartment, the furniture, and the neighborhood to gauge whether it’s as good as you expected.
Best Websites and Apps for Finding Furnished Apartments
Vanderbilt | Tribeca | Designer Loft | By Rove Travel
Online platforms are a great way to quickly see deals in your chosen area and get a feel for what you can book. We've listed popular websites and their pros and cons so you can evaluate the platform that suits you.
Craigslist
Pros: Craigslist has plenty of listings, often directly placed by property owners, which could lead to lower prices and the possibility of negotiating terms. It's a go-to for many looking for a wide range of options.
Cons: Craigslist is a free platform so the listing quality may vary, and there have been reports of attempted scams on renters. Be careful and put in extra effort to find a reasonable stay.
Furnished Finder
Pros: Furnished Finder is particularly popular among traveling professionals. The platform offers detailed rental property information, including amenities, pricing, and availability. Details make finding suitable accommodations easier.
Cons: The selection may be more limited than broader rental sites, and listings are sometimes only available in concentrated areas, depending on demand.
Rove Travel
Pros: Rove Travel focuses on high-quality, fully furnished rentals focusing on a seamless booking experience. The platform features well-maintained properties in prime locations in NYC, L.A., and South Florida.
Cons: The premium nature of the listings may have higher rental costs, which may not fit your budget.
Wythe Corner House by Rove Travel | Williamsburg | Designer Loft | by Rove Travel
Airbnb
Pros: Airbnb offers a vast selection of furnished apartments. From budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations, the platform includes comprehensive reviews and ratings. Airbnb's secure payment system and customer support also add a layer of reliability.
Cons: Service fees can add to the overall cost. Plus, Airbnb is subject to seasonal fluctuations with occupancy up during peak seasons as properties are booked as vacation rentals. Some listings sometimes have stricter cancellation policies.
Success Stories
We have a friend who decided to move to NYC from L.A. as a digital nomad/entrepreneur.
While he knew he could use Craigslist and check daily to see whether an ideal apartment would pop up, he took the road less traveled.
Waverly Lane | Chelsea | By Rove Travel
He thought, "I may not stay in NYC full time, but I'm also not trying to live at The Hotel Chelsea month-to-month." So he looked for a mid-term rental with an elegant feel and a practical workspace. He's your typical Goldilocks story where choosing a mid-term rental was 'just right.' He told us the flexibility was necessary as he would go back and forth from L.A., but he wanted to feel like a NYC local when he was there. "Best of both worlds," he said.
Trust is always a concern when booking a furnished apartment for a mid-term lease. That's why stories like these assure us, at Rove Travel, that we can provide the lifestyle people want.
To give you insight into why mid-term rentals are enjoying a bump in demand -- stays of 28 nights or more accounted for 21% of nights booked in 2022 and have higher satisfaction rates than shorter stays, according to Airbnb's global data.
We think it's because guests enjoy the comfort of a home-like environment and the convenience short or long-term rentals may not offer.
Conclusion
Deciding to find a furnished mid-term rental is an exciting one. However, it is also tedious and cumbersome if you’re unsure where to look and what to consider. Fortunately, several resources can help you find the best type of rental to suit your needs.
If you want a luxurious experience in a prime location use Rove Travel. We offer high-quality, fully furnished rentals for professionals and families.
We make the booking process quick and easy so you can focus on dreaming up ways to live your best life. Explore Rove Travel today and discover exceptional mid-term rental options that redefine what it means to live in medium-term housing.