Short term rentals are changing the way people travel.
Whether you’re away on a work project, moving between homes, or staying near a hospital, these flexible homes-away-from-home give you more comfort than a hotel and more reliability than a random Airbnb. But what exactly is a short term rental property, and why are so many people choosing them?
At Compass Furnished Apartments, we’ve spent more than 20 years helping travelers find the right fit for their temporary stays. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Defines a Short Term Rental
A short term rental property is a furnished apartment, condo, or house that you can rent for a set period of time, usually from a few weeks to under a year. Some cities define “short term” as anything less than 30 days, while others stretch it up to 12 months.
Common features of short term rentals include:
- Fully furnished spaces (so you don’t have to buy a bed or dishes)
- Utilities included in the price (heat, Wi-Fi, electricity)
- Flexible lease terms that work around your schedule
How Short Term Rentals Differ From Hotels and Airbnb
It’s easy to confuse short term rentals with hotels or Airbnb listings, but there are important differences.
Hotels are designed for very short stays. You pay nightly rates, and while convenient, they often mean living out of a suitcase in a small room with no kitchen.
Airbnb properties are usually owned by individuals. Quality can be hit or miss, and you don’t always know what you’re walking into until you arrive.
Short term rental properties (like those offered by Compass) combine the best of both worlds:
- Consistency and professional management
- Fully furnished apartments with kitchens, laundry, and living space
- Flexible leases that stretch from a few weeks to several months
Comparison at a glance:
| Feature | Hotel | Airbnb | Short Term Rental |
| Space | Small room | Varies | Full apartment |
| Furnishings | Basic | Inconsistent | Fully furnished |
| Kitchen/Laundry | Rarely | Sometimes | Always |
| Reliability | High | Varies | High |
| Best For | 1–7 nights | Vacations | 1 week–12 months |
Typical Lengths of Stay
Short term rentals are designed to bridge the gap between a quick hotel stay and a year-long lease.
- Business travel: often 1–3 months
- Medical housing: typically several weeks to a few months
- Relocation housing: can stretch from a few weeks up to 6 months
FAQ: Is 3 months considered short term?
Yes. Most providers, including Compass, consider three months a standard short term stay.
Who Uses Short Term Rentals
We see all kinds of guests come through our doors:
- Business travelers working on short-term projects or relocating for work
- Families between homes during a move
- Patients and caregivers needing medical housing rentals near hospitals
- Students or interns on temporary assignments
One of our recent guests was a family relocating to Boston. Their new home wasn’t ready for three months, so they stayed in one of our furnished short term rentals with enough space for kids, pets, and daily routines.
Why Choose a Short Term Rental Over Other Options
Travelers love short term rentals because they combine flexibility with comfort. Here’s why they stand out.
More space and privacy than a hotel room
Hotels can feel cramped when you’re staying more than a few nights. A short term rental gives you room to spread out, close the door to your own bedroom, and enjoy the privacy of a full apartment instead of living out of a suitcase.
Cost savings for longer stays
Nightly hotel rates add up quickly. Short term rentals are designed for longer visits, with weekly or monthly rates that help you stretch your budget while still enjoying a comfortable place to stay.
Home-like comfort with kitchens, laundry, and living areas
Having a kitchen to cook in, laundry machines at your disposal, and a proper living room makes daily life feel normal. Instead of eating out for every meal or searching for a laundromat, you can keep your routines intact.
Flexible leases that don’t lock you in
Traditional apartments often require a year-long lease, which doesn’t make sense if you’re only in town for a few months. Short term rentals give you the freedom to rent for the exact amount of time you need—whether that’s a few weeks or half a year.
Reliable service from professional property managers
Airbnb hosts can be hit or miss, but professional providers like Compass handle everything from maintenance to customer support. You know what to expect, and you can count on consistent service throughout your stay.
In short, you get a place that feels like home without the headaches of setting one up from scratch.
How to Find the Right Short Term Rental Property
Finding the right fit takes a little research:
Check local regulations
Each city has its own definition of a short term rental and its own rules. Make sure the property you’re looking at is compliant so you don’t run into surprises after booking.
Look for professional providers
Individual listings vary widely, but companies like Compass specialize in furnished short term rentals. With more than 20 years of experience in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, we’ve helped thousands of travelers find a home that suits their needs.
Read reviews and testimonials
Guest feedback is one of the best ways to know what to expect. Look for mentions of cleanliness, comfort, and helpful support as these details often reveal more than photos ever could.
Consider your needs
Think about your day-to-day life while traveling. Do you need to be close to work, a hospital, or a school? Do you want a pet-friendly apartment or an in-unit washer and dryer? Clarifying your must-haves will help you choose the property that truly fits.
When you book with Compass, you don’t have to wonder about quality. Every apartment is fully furnished, utilities are included, and our Comfort Guarantee means we’ll make sure your stay feels right.
Short term rental properties give travelers the best of all worlds with space, flexibility, and comfort without the commitment of a long lease. Whether you’re relocating for work, traveling for business, or supporting a loved one through medical care, short term housing is a smart, stress-free solution.
At Compass, we’ve been helping guests settle into temporary apartments for more than 20 years. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on what matters most.
👉 Browse fully furnished short term rentals in MA, CT, and NY with Compass today.
About The Author
Lauren
Lauren, a passionate marketing professional from Vancouver, Canada, has an insatiable love for travel. Whether it’s camping off the grid in a secluded forest or enjoying the bustling streets of Manhattan, New York, she embraces every adventure with enthusiasm.