Are you wondering if your Airbnb is ready to be converted into a corporate rental? With the increased regulations cracking down on Airbnb rentals and the rising demand for mid-term stays, many Airbnb units are making the switch. Corporate housing offers higher occupancy rates, reliable tenants, and steady income. However, not every rental property is a perfect fit for corporate housing. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your rental property is ready to maximize profits by converting to corporate housing.
1. Location, Location, Location
Your property may have stunning, scenic views, but if it takes forever to get downtown or to the airport, it may not be ideal for corporate housing. If you were renting to vacationers, they’d need to be within walking distance of the beach, but corporate housing tenants have different location priorities.
Is your property near public transportation, highways, or airports? If you are housing traveling nurses, they will want to be within a short commute to the hospital. If you are hosting executives, they will want to be close to the head office or conference center. Traveling professors will want to be near the university. No matter who the corporate tenant is, they will appreciate an easy commute. Additionally, being close to essential community infrastructure like grocery stores, restaurants, schools, and fitness centers can add considerable value to your rental. The more convenient your property is to everyday needs, the more likely it is to be attractive to corporate tenants.
2. Properties Managed for Professionals, by Professionals
Managing corporate rentals can be more demanding than typical short-term or long-term properties. Tenants expect quick resolutions to maintenance issues and smooth communication throughout their stay.
Corporate clients also expect convenience and comfort, so offering concierge services like grocery delivery, cleaning or towel and linen services, dry cleaning pick-up and delivery, in-home massage, and more, is very desirable. Hiring a professional property management company like AvenueWest can help meet these expectations and ensure your tenants have a positive experience.
3. Comfortable, Functional, Stylish & Spacious
Corporate tenants are mid-term renters, so the minimum stay is 30+ days. The average stay for mid-term rentals is 99 days. You can tough it out in an environment that is not ideal for a few days or a week, but three-and-a-half months in, feeling cramped or dealing with cheap, uncomfortable, improperly scaled furniture just won’t fly. Comfort, space, and functionality are crucial. However, corporate housing units do not just consider the basics—chic staging can transform your property into a stylish home away from home. Corporate clients expect a fully furnished space, and they also want it to feel polished and inviting.
Invest in durable, high-quality furniture that balances style and comfort. Comfortable beds with quality bedding, spacious storage, and durable living room pieces create a welcoming environment. Details matter—thoughtfully selected artwork, neutral paint choices, and textiles like throw pillows and rugs give the space a serene and chic atmosphere. By combining practicality with elegant design, your rental becomes more than just a place to stay—it becomes a memorable experience. Investing in staging will increase tenant satisfaction, encourage repeat business, and ultimately boost your bottom line.
When we say “spacious,” that doesn’t mean your property must be enormous. Smaller properties can make excellent corporate housing units with the right furniture and marketing. Choosing pieces that fit the scale of your space and targeting the right audience can create an inviting, open feel for guests. Corporate housing professionals can also help position your property for the perfect fit. While a family of four with a dog may not be ideal, not every Relocation Manager is looking for that. A single traveler might find your cozy, well-designed space just right for their stay.
4. A Full Kitchen & Laundry vs the “Vacation” Version
There’s a difference between the kitchen and laundry facility you’re willing to settle for on a week-long stay and a proper, full kitchen that you need when you’re away from home for three months. Unlike short-term guests who might settle for basic cooking amenities like a two-burner stovetop with no oven, a corporate housing kitchen needs to offer more. Corporate tenants typically prefer a truly fully equipped kitchen where they can prepare meals just like they would at home. Providing a kitchen that is equipped with modern appliances (range, microwave, refrigerator, coffee machine, and dishwasher), cookware, and utensils will make your property feel more like a home and less like a hotel room or a cottage. You should also provide small appliances like a coffee maker, toaster, and blender. The more well-equipped your kitchen, the more desirable your property will be for corporate tenants who value the ability to cook their meals during long stays.
A high-end washer and dryer should be in every corporate housing unit.
5. Workspaces: A Necessity for Productivity
Many professionals today prefer a dedicated workspace to be productive when they are on assignment in a new city. A corporate renter will appreciate a designated area where they can comfortably work, check emails, or have private Zoom meetings in their home away from home.
A well-designed workspace can be a major draw, especially if you’re targeting higher-level executives or employees who require a quiet, focused environment.
Your property should have:
1. A desk
2. An ergonomic chair
3. Adequate lighting
4. Ample outlets and charging stations (many corporate tenants use multiple devices)
6. Upgrade Your Wi-Fi: A Must-Have for Corporate Tenants
I know you’re reading this and thinking…no kidding, of course you need Wi-Fi. But not all Wi-Fi is created equal. We’ve all stayed at that one Airbnb whose Wi-Fi only seemed to work in one corner of the house. The fastest, most reliable Wi-Fi isn’t just a perk for corporate housing clients—it’s a necessity. Whether they’re working remotely, joining virtual meetings, or unwinding with their favorite show, a stable internet connection is non-negotiable.
If your current Wi-Fi isn’t top-tier but can be upgraded, consider it a smart investment to do so. If you have multiple floors or a large space, invest in Wi-Fi boosters or mesh routers for seamless coverage. Slow or unreliable internet can quickly lead to frustrated tenants and negative reviews—don’t let bad Wi-Fi be the reason your rental gets passed over. If your location has connectivity limitations, your property may not be the best fit for corporate housing.
Making Your Property Corporate-Ready with AvenueWest
Turning your Airbnb or investment property into a corporate rental is a smart way to tap into the lucrative market of mid-term stays. When you partner with AvenueWest, you can reap the rewards of a lucrative corporate housing investment without the stress of daily management. Our expert team handles every detail of property management, allowing you to focus on what matters most while maximizing your returns. Reach out to us today to discover how we can enhance your rental experience and boost your income. Your success is our top priority!
