The Ultimate Guide to Rent to Traveling Nurses

Travel nurses are essential to keeping our healthcare system functioning, and there is an increased demand for them each year. This presents a great opportunity for property owners to rent their space to traveling nurses who need short-term housing accommodations.

Why Renting to Traveling Nurses is so Lucrative

You have options if you have extra space you’d like to rent for profit: long-term rentals, vacation rentals, and short-term rentals. Here are the big advantages of renting to travel nurses:

• Less turnover than vacation rentals, yet a short enough time that you stay on top of any upkeep.
• You are tapping into a community of trustworthy, vetted professionals who will treat your property respectfully.
• Like a vacation rental, you can rent one room or space in your home.
• You can typically charge higher rates than long-term rentals.

Overall, renting to a travel nurse is a low-risk opportunity to make extra property income.

Platforms You Can List Your Property With

• Most rental sites like Airbnb and VRBO offer short-term rentals.
• You can contact travel nurse agencies in your area.
• The best option is listing your property on a website catered specifically to traveling nurses, like Transplant Housing.

How to Price Your Listing

• The general rule of thumb is to charge a higher rate than long-term rentals and lower than vacation rentals.
• Be sure to include all utilities, WiFi, and other amenities in your rental fees.
• Look at what other rentals in your area are offering and price accordingly.
• Research how much a travel nurse in your area makes per diem for their living costs.

What Travel Nurses Are Looking For

The most desirable rental properties will include: - Fully furnished bedrooms and bathrooms - Laundry access (in the unit is best!) - Utilities included (WiFi, electricity, water, etc.) - Local conveniences such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants - Parking - Privacy - Proximity to work - Access to amenities (pool, gym, etc.) - Allowing pets (if desirable)

How to Catch People’s Attention

Showcase Customer reviews 

Ask your past tenants for reviews to help build trust.

Post Timely Updates 

Keep your listing as up-to-date as possible.

Send quick responses 

Travel nurses are often looking for housing very last minute. The quicker you respond, the more likely they will rent your place.

How to Prepare Your Rental for a Travel Nurse

Host Checklist: 

Gather & Organize Paperwork — have your rental agreement ready.  

Clean the Space— give the entire property a thorough deep cleaning.  

Furnish Home— provide all necessary furnishings in each bedroom and common area. - Linens & towels — supply clean linens, bedding, and towels.  

Restock Kitchen Essentials — stock with basic cooking items: utensils, pots/pans, etc. 

Double-check WiFi — ensure internet is up and running. - Basic items — consider providing toilet paper, soap, shampoo, etc. 

Review Security — update cameras, keys, and codes.

Perform Routine Home Maintenance — check all systems are in working order.

Extras — blackout curtains for night nurses, local guides, etc.

Renting to Travel Nurses FAQs

Can you manage travel nurse rentals from afar?

Yes, with the help of a rental management company.

Do travel nurses provide references?

Yes, they can provide references from previous landlords.

Are travel nurses responsible for damages?

Yes, travel nurses are typically held responsible for any damages.

Do I need special insurance for my travel nurse rental?

Yes, getting the right insurance to cover your property while it’s rented out on a short-term basis is important.

How often do travel nurses typically stay in one place?

Most travel nurse contracts are 13 weeks, potentially extending an additional 13 weeks.