Mid-Term Rentals vs. Long-Term Leases in LA: What Makes More Money?

Many LA landlords default to traditional 12-month leases—but in the right locations, mid-term rentals (30+ days) can outperform them significantly. Here’s why more property owners are making the switch:

Higher Monthly Income

While long-term leases offer predictability, they often lock you into lower monthly rates. Our case study from Santa Monica shows a 1-bed unit earning $4,500/mo furnished, compared to a $3,300/mo unfurnished lease—a 36% increase.

Greater Flexibility

MTRs allow you to:

• Adjust pricing seasonally

• Use the property personally between stays

• Avoid long eviction proceedings if things go south

Tax Advantages & Compliance

Because mid-term rentals meet 30-day minimums, they’re often exempt from stricter STR bans and easier to manage legally in LA.

The Turnhaus Advantage

We helped one owner convert 6 empty units that had $0 income into fully rented, beautifully designed MTRs—many earning $12,000–$60,000 more per year than their long-term rental projections.

Want to compare numbers on your unit? Start with a Discovery Audit →