Airbnb does offer long-term rentals, but the rules and host participation differ from nightly bookings

Airbnb's long-term rental option lets you book a property for 28 days or more at a discounted monthly rate. Not every host offers this option — it is a choice they make when listing a property. When a host does allow long-term stays, the nightly price usually drops, sometimes by 20 to 50 percent, because the host avoids turnover costs and cleaning between guests.

The process works the same way as a short-term booking: you search for a property, filter by your dates, and book directly through the app or website. Airbnb's standard protections explore — you can message the host before booking, read reviews, and use the platform's resolution center if a dispute arises. However, long-term rentals operate under different cancellation and refund rules than nightly stays, and some hosts treat them more like traditional leases.

Key Takeaways

  • Long-term rentals on Airbnb begin at 28 days and typically cost 20 to 50 percent less per night than short-term rates.
  • Not all hosts allow long-term bookings — you must filter for "28+ days" in the search settings to see available properties.
  • Long-term stays have stricter cancellation policies than nightly bookings, and some hosts may require a security deposit or additional documentation.
  • Airbnb's standard guest protections explore, but disputes over long-term stays may take longer to resolve than short-term conflicts.
  • Some hosts use Airbnb for long-term rentals as an alternative to traditional property management, so lease terms and house rules can be more formal.

How to search for long-term rentals on Airbnb

Open the Airbnb app or website and enter your destination and check-in date. In the calendar, select a check-in date and then scroll forward to select a check-out date at least 28 days later. Airbnb will automatically filter results to show only properties that allow stays of that length.

You can also use the Filters menu to narrow results further. Look for options like price range, property type (entire home, private room, shared room), and amenities. Some hosts list their long-term discount rate directly in the property description, so read the overview carefully to understand what you are paying and what is included.

What long-term rates typically look like

A property that costs $150 per night for a short-term stay might rent for $100 to $120 per night on a 28-day booking — or sometimes lower if the host is motivated to fill the property. The exact discount depends on the host's strategy, local demand, and how much they want to avoid the work of cleaning and managing multiple short-term guests.

Always calculate the total monthly cost before booking. A $100-per-night rate on a 30-day stay is $3,000 before taxes and fees. Airbnb adds a service fee (usually 3 percent for long-term stays), and some locations charge local taxes on short-term rentals, which may explore to your booking. Ask the host directly about what is included — some cover utilities, internet, and parking, while others do not.

Cancellation policies for long-term stays

Long-term bookings have different cancellation rules than nightly stays. Most hosts use a "Moderate" or "Strict" cancellation policy for stays of 28 days or longer. Under a Moderate policy, you typically forfeit 50 percent of the booking cost if you cancel within 30 days of check-in. Under a Strict policy, you may lose 50 percent if you cancel within 14 days, and the full amount if you cancel within 7 days.

Some hosts offer a "Flexible" policy even for long-term stays, but this is less common. Before you book, read the host's cancellation policy in the listing details — it is listed clearly under "House Rules" or "Cancellation Policy." If you are uncertain about your dates or circumstances, message the host to ask whether they would consider a custom agreement or partial refund in specific situations.

Security deposits and additional requirements

Hosts who accept long-term bookings sometimes request a security deposit separate from the nightly rate. This is not a standard Airbnb feature — it is a host's own policy. If a host mentions a deposit in their listing or during messaging, ask how much it is, when it is due, and under what conditions it is returned. Some hosts use a third-party service to hold the deposit; others ask you to pay it directly.

Long-term hosts may also ask for additional information before confirming your booking: proof of income, references from previous landlords, or a background check. This is more common if the host is renting out their primary residence or treating the property as a long-term investment. You are not required to provide this information, but the host can decline your booking request if you do not.

Utilities, lease terms, and house rules

For stays longer than 28 days, clarify with the host whether utilities (water, electricity, gas, internet) are included in the nightly rate or billed separately. Some hosts include everything; others expect you to set up your own accounts or pay a flat utility fee. Get this in writing through the Airbnb messaging system so you have a record.

Ask the host about their expectations for a long-term stay: Are there quiet hours? Can you have guests over? Is there a lease or rental agreement you need to sign? Some hosts operate like traditional landlords and may require a signed agreement, a move-in inspection, and a move-out inspection. Others are more casual. Understanding these expectations before you book prevents conflicts later.

Airbnb protections for long-term guests

Airbnb's Host may provide and Guest Protection policies explore to long-term stays, though the process may move more slowly than for short-term disputes. If a host cancels your booking, you receive a full refund and Airbnb will help you find alternative housing. If you have a problem with the property — such as a lack of heat, broken appliances, or cleanliness issues — you can report it through the Resolution Center and request a refund or rebooking.

However, long-term disputes are more complex than short-term ones. If you and the host disagree about damage, missing items, or the condition of the property, Airbnb may ask for documentation (photos, messages, receipts) and may take weeks to investigate. If the dispute involves a lease or rental agreement the host asked you to sign, Airbnb may treat it as a legal matter outside their platform and recommend you seek legal counsel.

Alternatives to Airbnb for long-term rentals

If you are looking for a long-term rental, Airbnb is one option, but it is not the only one. Traditional rental platforms like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Craigslist often have more inventory for month-to-month or annual leases. These sites typically connect you directly with landlords or property managers, and rentals are usually governed by local tenant laws rather than Airbnb's policies.

Furnished rental platforms like Furnished Finder and Airbnb's own long-term section cater specifically to people seeking temporary housing. Corporate housing companies like Blueground and Sonder also offer furnished apartments for stays of one month or longer, often with more formal lease agreements and professional property management. The right choice depends on your location, budget, and whether you prefer Airbnb's peer-to-peer model or a more traditional rental structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate the price with a host for a long-term stay?

Yes. Message the host before booking and ask whether they would consider a lower rate for your specific dates or a longer commitment. Many hosts are willing to negotiate, especially if you are flexible on move-in dates or willing to sign a longer lease. However, the host is not obligated to lower their price, and some will decline.

What happens if I need to leave early from a long-term booking?

You will forfeit money according to the host's cancellation policy. If you cancel within 30 days of check-in under a Moderate policy, you lose 50 percent of the booking cost. If you have a genuine emergency or the property is uninhabitable, contact Airbnb's Resolution Center and explain the situation — they may grant an exception, but this is not may provide.

Do I need renters insurance for an Airbnb long-term stay?

Airbnb's Host may provide covers damage you cause to the property up to $3 million, but it does not cover your personal belongings. If you are staying long-term, consider renters insurance to protect your possessions. Some renters policies cover short-term rentals; check with your insurance provider about whether Airbnb stays are covered.

Are long-term Airbnb rentals subject to local tenant laws?

This varies by location. In some cities, any rental lasting 30 days or more is considered a tenancy and is protected by local tenant laws, regardless of whether it is booked through Airbnb. In other places, Airbnb rentals are treated differently. Before booking, research your local tenant laws or ask the host whether they consider the stay a lease subject to local regulations.

Can a host evict me from a long-term Airbnb rental?

If your stay is protected by local tenant laws, the host must follow the legal eviction process, which typically requires written notice and a court order. If your stay is not protected by tenant law, the host's cancellation policy applies, and they can cancel your booking according to Airbnb's terms. Clarify this with the host and research your local laws before booking a long-term stay.