How to Maximize STR Income During Low Season with Mid-Term Rentals

    Stop losing thousands to vacancy gaps. Learn how to switch your Airbnb to mid-term rentals during slow months and maintain premium income year-round.

    The Short-Term Rental Low Season Problem

    Common STR Vacancy Gaps in Atlanta:

    • September-October: Post-summer slump, reduced vacation travel
    • January-February: Post-holiday decline, cold weather reduces bookings
    • Mid-week gaps: Even during peak season, weekdays often sit vacant
    • Last-minute cancellations: Unpredictable revenue loss

    The Financial Impact

    40-60%
    Typical occupancy during slow months
    $8,000+
    Lost annual income from vacancy
    35%
    Reduced annual ROI

    The Solution: Strategic Switch to Mid-Term Rentals

    How Mid-Term Rentals Fill the Gap:

    • 30-90 day stays: Lock in guaranteed income during your slow season
    • Corporate relocations: Peak demand September-November when STRs slow down
    • Insurance placements: Year-round demand, premium rates, zero vacancy risk
    • Traveling professionals: Consistent demand from healthcare, consulting, construction

    The Hybrid Strategy Results

    85-95%
    Year-round occupancy with hybrid approach
    25-40%
    Higher annual income vs STR-only
    $0
    Vacancy loss during slow months

    Your 4-Step Hybrid Income Strategy

    1

    Identify Your Low Season

    Analyze your booking data to pinpoint slow months. For most Atlanta properties, this is September-October and January-February.

    Action: Review last year's occupancy rates month-by-month. Look for sustained periods under 70% occupancy.
    2

    Build Your MTR Tenant Pipeline

    60-90 days before your slow season, start marketing to corporate and insurance networks. PeachHaus has direct access to these premium tenant sources.

    PeachHaus Advantage: We maintain exclusive relationships with insurance adjusters and corporate relocation coordinators who pay premium rates.
    3

    Price Strategically for MTR

    MTR rates should be 20-30% higher than traditional long-term rents but lower than your STR nightly rate x 30. This still generates premium income while guaranteeing occupancy.

    Example: $150/night STR = $4,500/mo potential (if fully booked). MTR rate: $3,200-3,800/mo with 100% occupancy guaranteed.
    4

    Screen and Transition Seamlessly

    Vet MTR tenants carefully with employment verification, background checks, and credit screening. Plan the transition with a 1-2 week buffer to prepare the property.

    PeachHaus Handles: Complete tenant screening, lease preparation, move-in inspection, and seamless transition back to STR when demand returns.

    Real Property Example: East Cobb 4BR Home

    STR-Only Strategy
    March-August (Peak Season)
    $4,800/mo avg × 6 months = $28,800
    85% occupancy
    Sept-Feb (Low Season)
    $2,400/mo avg × 6 months = $14,400
    45% occupancy
    Annual Income: $43,200
    $14,400 lost to vacancy
    Hybrid Strategy
    March-August (STR Peak)
    $4,800/mo avg × 6 months = $28,800
    85% occupancy
    Sept-Feb (Switch to MTR)
    $3,500/mo × 6 months = $21,000
    100% occupancy
    Annual Income: $49,800
    +$6,600 additional income (+15%)

    The hybrid approach generated 15% more income while eliminating all vacancy risk during slow months.

    Ready to Maximize Your Year-Round Income?

    Get a free hybrid strategy analysis for your property. We'll show you exactly how much more you could earn by eliminating vacancy gaps.