The Landlord Diaries

Discover how to optimize your rental calendar for maximum occupancy. Kelly and Katie share their secrets to maintaining over 95% occupancy in midterm rentals. Learn the importance of accurate listings and how to avoid common booking pitfalls. They delve into the significance of syncing calendars with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO and highlight communication tips that turn inquiries into confirmed bookings. Uncover strategies that boost visibility and streamline your rental management for more passive income.

Did you know only 50% of tenants signed a lease for their last mid-term rental stay? That stat shocked us too. In this episode, we’re diving into why every landlord offering monthly furnished rentals needs a rock-solid lease agreement—and exactly how to build one that protects you and your property without overcomplicating things.We’re joined by Deborah Holstein, Chief Growth Officer at Rocket Lawyer, to break down the essentials of a great lease for mid-term rentals. Whether you’re brand new to monthly rentals or you’ve hosted dozens of traveling nurses and corporate guests, this episode is your roadmap to creating clear, legally sound, and easy-to-manage lease agreements.Through Furnished Finder’s powerful partnership with Rocket Lawyer, landlords have access to state-specific, attorney-approved leases that are tailored to the unique needs of the MTR (Mid-Term Rental) space. We talk through the 8 things every MTR lease needs, real-world landlord data, and tips to avoid common mistakes that can cost you time, money, or your property’s reputation.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:- Why a lease matters more than you think for monthly stays- The 8 essential elements every MTR lease should include- Furnished Finder data: average deposits, pet fees, cleaning fees & more- How to handle early lease termination (ELT), utilities, shared spaces, pets &  damage waivers- Why generic leases from friends or Google just won’t cut it- How to get started today using KeyCheck & Rocket Lawyer toolsThis episode is packed with actionable insights to help you operate like a pro. 🚀🔗 Ready to simplify your lease process? Access Rocket Lawyer’s MTR-optimized leases now: https://www.keycheck.com/  List Your Property Now on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-propertyTrending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResourcesEpisode Highlights:0:00 Only 50% of tenants signed a lease in their last MTR stay2:00 Furnished Finder + Rocket Lawyer: How this partnership is empowering landlords3:20 Why leases matter for mid-term rentals (yes, even for 30-day guests)7:00 The 8 must-have elements for your MTR lease7:45 Lease terms: stay length, payment timing & due dates9:15 75% of tenants prefer paying online—are you prepared?10:25 Deposits, fees, damage waivers—what’s standard on Furnished Finder?12:55 How Rocket Lawyer makes lease-building super simple15:00 Hot topic: Security deposits & standard MTR fees18:15 Data point: Average FF cleaning fee is $175—checked our market lately?19:25 Early lease termination: rules, fees & flexibility24:30 Pet policies & deposits: What works for monthly rentals29:15 Amenities, storage, parking—yes, they should be in your lease31:15 Why random leases from the internet are a legal risk37:10 Lease questions? Connect now: https://www.keycheck.com/Home/ContactUs  The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Are you curious about monthly stays, room rentals or how to earn while you travel? Meet Reva Lewis, a NICU nurse and seasoned traveler who has spent over eight years crisscrossing the U.S. using Furnished Finder for safe, affordable stays. With around 80% of her travels booked on Furnished Finder—including both room rentals and entire spaces—Reva knows what midterm renters prioritize, from pricing and privacy to flexible lease terms.As a travel nurse turned host, she shares insider tips on room rentals, house hacking, and setting up your property for success. Whether you're a property owner looking to boost your income or a travel nurse in need of housing, this episode is packed with actionable insights on pricing strategies, travel nurse stipends, cancelled contracts and location challenges in rural markets.Check rental demand in your area: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/statsList your property now on Furnished Finder: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property Highlights:0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries2:00 House hacking & room rental benefits for real estate investors3:00 Who books room rentals? Travel nurses, professionals & corporate travelers3:55 Pricing & privacy: How travel nurses choose between a room or an entire space5:50 Travel nurse industry insights: How Mardi Gras impacted the industry6:35 Midterm rentals vs. short-term rentals: How MTRs benefit local communities7:20 Location challenges: Why more midterm rentals are needed in rural areas9:00 Why Furnished Finder? More control over pricing & tenant communication12:50 The best questions to ask as a host & traveler before booking14:35 Cancelled contracts & flexible lease terms – tips from experienced hosts17:35 Considering room rentals? Reva’s top 3 tips for success19:35 Financial upsides of room rentals & house hacking for monthly travelers21:45 Managing midterm rental payments through KeyCheck25:15 Are property showings expected for midterm rental guests?28:25 Reva’s favorite Furnished Finder stay: What makes a rental stand out29:50 Connect with Reva Lewis for travel nurse housing & room rental advice🚀 Don’t miss this episode if you’re serious about making money with monthly furnished rentals!Trending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  Reva Lewis’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Reva.LewisHost Kelly Bailey’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Kelly.Bailey13  The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

How do you achieve a 12-18% cash-on-cash return with Furnished Finder? Mark Reed, founder of SURE Property Management, Development & Construction shares how he built a thriving Furnished Finder portfolio in Baltimore, MD, by revitalizing a neighborhood hosting medical professionals. Learn how I built a cashflow machine with travel nurses & Furnished Finder in this episode of Landlord Diaries. Discover how to maximize profits with this unique rental strategy!In this episode, Mark reveals:✔️ Why medical districts are goldmines for mid-term rentals✔️ How travel nurses can stay 90-180+ days, achieving nearly 100% occupancy ✔️ The 3 biggest advantages: Furnished Finder, MTR cash flow & medical travelers✔️ How he revitalized a community while scaling his rental business🚀 Whether you're new to monthly furnished rentals or scaling your real estate investment, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you maximize cash flow with Furnished Finder in 2025.List Your Property Now on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-propertyEpisode Highlights:0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries 1:25 From Airbnb to Mid-Term Rentals (MTR) 3:00 Discovering Furnished Finder & Making the MTR Shift 4:50 Scaling in One Market: Unit Sizes & Strategy 8:40 🏚️ Medical Micro Communities: Two young women found safe housing while 13 homes on the block were boarded up! 9:30 Choosing the Best Location for Your Monthly Furnished Rental 12:15 Designing Your Rentals for Travel Nurses & Corporate Guests 18:40 The 3 Major MTR Advantages: Cash Flow, Furnished Finder & Medical Travelers 19:05 💰 The Cash Flow Advantage: 12-18% Cash-on-Cash Return 22:10 🏥 The Medical Advantage: 90-180 Day Stays = Fewer Turnovers 23:10 🏡 The Furnished Finder Advantage: Direct Booking & Personalized Stays 26:45 MTR Hosting Strategies: 5⭐ Guest Experience = Renewals & Referrals 31:00 Revitalizing Communities with Mid-Term RentalsTrending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  Mark’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Mark.Reed  The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

What do digital nomads really look for in a monthly furnished rental? After 2.5 years on the road, living in 10 different Furnished Finder properties, Chelsea Kimlel has seen it all—the good, the bad, and the never again. In this episode, she reveals the must-haves that make a property stand out, the common mistakes that drive tenants away, and the key listing details that stop a traveler’s scroll.From Furnished Finder search tips to messaging mistakes, lease terms to storage space, Chelsea shares what makes a rental truly livable for monthly furnished travelers like her. If you want more bookings and better tenants, don’t miss this episode!🚀 List Your Property on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property⏳ Episode Highlights: 0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries 1:50 🚗 MTR Love Story: 2.5 years, 10 cities, and a flexible lifestyle 3:00 🏡 Work-Life on the Road: Digital marketing & woodworking hustle 5:00 📍 Strategic Planning: How Chelsea mapped out her travels 6:45 💰 Budget Smart: Use FurnishedFinder.com/stats to plan rental costs 7:55 🏠 Tenant Wish List: Must-haves vs. nice-to-haves in an MTR 10:55 📸 What Stops the Scroll? Listing details that grab attention 14:30 🚩 Instant Turn-Offs: What NOT to include in your rental photos 16:10 🔎 How Tenants Search Furnished Finder: Optimize Your Listing 18:05 👀 Red Flags for Travelers: What makes tenants skip a property 21:05 🚫 Things That Don’t Matter: Overrated features for midterm stays 23:15 🏘️ MTR Expectations: What should be included with a midterm stay 24:10 ⚡ Utility Caps: Are they a dealbreaker? Chelsea shares her take 25:20 🤝 The Furnished Finder Advantage: Why flexibility = more bookings 27:30 📆 The Tenant’s Search Process: How far in advance do they book? 29:40 🏡 What Tenants Want to Know About Landlords before signing a lease 31:45 💬 Messaging Mistakes: Bad responses that lose potential tenants 34:45 🔥 Chelsea’s Favorite New Furnished Finder Feature 36:20 ✍️ Lease Terms That Build Trust and confidence in a rental 39:10 📖 Ways to connect with Chelsea Kimlel🎧 Tune in now to transform your midterm rental strategy! 🚀Trending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  Some of Chelsea’s Furnished Finder Stays:Chicago: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/property/253523_2Saint Petersburg: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/property/484432_1 Lake Tahoe: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/property/472668_1Sedona: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/property/533704_1Texas: https://www.furnishedfinder.com/property/702785_1Check out Chelsea’s Blog: https://www.chiefnomadicofficer.com/Host Katie Lyon’s Properties:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=katie.lyon8 Host Kelly Bailey’s Properties:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Kelly*|B. The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

What if your short-term rental faced heavy restrictions—but instead of losing income, you unlocked a high-demand niche with 90% occupancy? That’s exactly what Bella and Levi Linchenko did by leveraging Furnished Finder and midterm rental (MTR) strategies. They transformed a live-in flip into a high-performing MTR business and even used their rental income to fund a ski trip to the Alps! If you’re wondering how to attract digital nomads, traveling professionals, and retirees, this Furnished Finder Landlord Diaries episode is packed with actionable insights.In this episode, they reveal: ✅ Why they chose MTR over STR (without losing income) ✅ Why transparency leads to happier guests & fewer headaches ✅ How MTR revenue funded their Alps ski trip ✅ The key differences in furnishing MTR vs STR properties ✅ Why midterm guests are easier to manage than short-term renters ✅ How to address seasonality & maximize occupancyPlus, Bella & Levi share expert design tips for MTR success, including market research, must-have furnishings, and costly design mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re a real estate investor, STR host looking to pivot, or a newbie in MTRs, this episode is a must-listen!📢 Ready to list your property? Get started on Furnished Finder today: 👉 https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-propertyEpisode Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to Landlord Diaries1:25 Why some hosts prefer MTRs over STRs in vacation rental markets2:30 How Bella & Levi started with an MTR duplex house hack4:05 Finding Furnished Finder was a game-changer5:50 Fix & flip strategy with MTR for maximum value7:25 MTR revenue funded their Alps ski trip9:40 Transparency: The secret to happy MTR guests14:20 When to start marketing & furnishing your MTR18:25 Why MTR guests are easier to manage than STR tenants22:35 Market research for MTR friendly design27:45 Furnishing an MTR vs STR—Key differences31:10 The biggest mistake hosts make in MTR31:50 Minimum viable product concept for MTR success34:30 Design mistakes that cost you revenue37:00 How to find the right MTR property40:20 Addressing seasonality in midterm rental markets42:55 The secret to long-term MTR success? Just get started!44:25 Connect with Bella & Levi LinchenkoResources & Links:📌 Trending Midterm Rental Resources: 👉 https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources🏡 Guest’s Listings on Furnished Finder: 👉 https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Bella.Gonzalez69📸 Follow Bella & Levi on IG: @LetsgowithBellaThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Getting started in mid-term rentals or buying your next investment property? Whether you're a new or experienced investor, Colin Wong has cracked the code on scaling mid-term rentals across multiple markets. With 10+ MTRs and 70% of his bookings coming from Furnished Finder, Colin shares proven strategies for picking the right markets, maximizing cash flow, and managing properties remotely. Tune in to learn how he balances equity growth with cash flow, finds investor-friendly realtors, and optimizes his listings for consistent bookings.List Your Property Now on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property 📌 Timestamps:0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries podcast1:50 Colin’s real estate journey started with advice from a friend4:05 Googling “how to improve cash flow” led him to mid-term rentals5:30 How MTRs generate 1.5-2x more than long-term rentals5:50 Let the tenant demand in your market guide your rental strategy7:45 Strategic property selection: How to spot the right MTR opportunities10:20 What to look for when buying your next mid-term rental16:10 MTR design tips: Keep it simple, update as guests request20:45 70% of Colin’s bookings come from Furnished Finder—must-know tips21:50 Has Colin’s strategy for equity and cash flow paid off?24:35 Managing out-of-state rentals: Start with an investor-friendly realtor28:15 Scaling to 25+ MTRs: Colin’s partnership and long-term vision30:30 3 expert tips for Furnished Finder success👉 Subscribe for more expert MTR insights! 🏡 💰 #MidTermRentals #RealEstateInvesting #FurnishedFinderTrending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources   E-Book: Best Practices & Furnishing Advice for Landlords New to Renting:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/best-practices  Colin Wong’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=Colin.Wong The Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Looking for a lucrative side hustle that fits into your busy life? Discover how Lara Stuart, a registered nurse with 28 years of experience, built a successful mid-term rental arbitrage business with Furnished Finder while maintaining her W2 job and family life. In this episode of the Furnished Finder Landlord Diaries podcast, hosts Kelly Bailey & Katie Lyon dive into how Lara secured 100% of her bookings through Furnished Finder, partnered with an upscale apartment complex, and self-manages her out-of-state rentals with ease.List Your Property Now on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-propertyChapters0:00 Welcome to The Landlord Diaries1:40 Why is MTR rental arbitrage an appealing income stream?7:00 How to pitch corporate leasing to high-end apartment complexes8:05 Ten out of fifteen complexes said YES to corporate leases!14:40 How much profit can you make with rental arbitrage?19:15 The power of a great cleaner & team for out-of-state management24:10 Furnished Finder tools: Message templates & Worry-Free Waiver28:10 Annual arbitrage projects you should prepare for34:05 Why your space doesn’t need to be perfect to get startedWhether you're a seasoned investor or a beginner looking to break into the mid-term rental space, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you launch or scale your rental arbitrage business.🔔 Subscribe for more real estate investing tips!Resources:Trending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  Lara’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=lara.stuartThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed as a landlord? In this video, we're sharing our top 4 tips to help you become a more efficient landlord and maximize your midterm rental business. From utilizing property management software to streamlining your lease strategies, we're covering it all. As a Furnished Finder host, you know how important it is to stay organized and on top of your game. That's why we're diving into the best property management hacks and tools to help you succeed. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your business, these tips will help you take your midterm rentals to the next level. So, if you're ready to join the ranks of successful entrepreneurs on Furnished Finder, be sure to watch until the end.Welcome back to the Furnished Finder Landlord Diaries podcast for part two of our book review with Grace Gudenkauf, Bigger Pockets co-author of The Self-Managing Landlord. Grace is a real estate entrepreneur with over twenty rentals, coach and co-founder of WIIRE, Women Invest In Real Estate. In part one, we discussed the pros & cons of self-managing, tenant screening advice & how to handle tenant emergencies with Amelia. Today with Grace, we will dive into the operational side of mid term rentals to discuss things like MTR lease advice, fees & the overall structure of the mid-term rental "move in" process.List Your Property Now on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property Episode Highlights:⏳ 0:00 - Landlord Diaries Intro📖 2:10 - Writing The Self-Managing Landlord🏡 3:00 - Grace’s journey: From quitting her W-2 to owning 25 properties & 12 MTRs🔄 4:25 - BRRRR strategy: When to flip, hold, or rent mid-term?📈 5:15 - Rising demand for ranch-style homes with fenced yards🏠 6:30 - Why Grace prefers Furnished Finder over Airbnb🔑 8:05 - MTR operations: Managing one to several properties📝 8:40 - 10 key lease details every MTR host should include🛡️ 16:50 - How Furnished Finder’s Worry-Free Waiver replaces security deposits💰 20:00 - 3 reasons cash flow is critical for rental success💸 25:30 - Roundtable: Standard fees for mid-term rentals📋 33:00 - MTR move-in process: Setting house rules & guest expectations⚙️ 36:10 - The power of standard operating procedures (SOPs)🧠 38:25 - Avoiding emotional decision-making & fatigue🏡 41:05 - Simplifying check-ins with Furnished Finder house rules📌 42:25 - A simple step to start implementing SOPsTrending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources  Grace’s Listings on Furnished Finder:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/members/profile?u=grace.gudenkauf The Self-Managing Landlord Book:https://www.womeninvestinrealestate.com/book WIIRE’s SOP Template:https://www.womeninvestinrealestate.com/soptemplatesThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.

Are you considering self-managing your midterm rental property? Watch this video as BiggerPockets Author, Amelia McGee, discusses the pros and cons of property management, and get valuable insights into the MTR landlord process. Whether you're a seasoned property manager or a beginner, this video will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about managing your midterm rental property, tenant screening questions, deposit free options and valuable investment insights. Welcome back to The Landlord Diaries! Amelia McGee, a real estate mogul with over 40 rental properties and co-author of The Self-Managing Landlord, a Bigger Pockets favorite. Amelia shares her journey from partnerships in business to managing a diversified portfolio of long-term, short-term, and midterm rentals (MTRs). Learn how she uses tools like Furnished Finder to achieve nearly 100% midterm rental occupancy, boost cash flow by $500/unit monthly, and maintain quality control as a self-managing landlord.📌 Episode Highlights:0:00 Introduction to The Landlord Diaries2:30 From HGTV-inspired flip to 45 rental doors3:50 The cash flow addiction: scaling with mid-term and short-term rentals4:05 The biggest hurdle most investors face8:30 Transforming her business with self-management systems11:30 Why midterm rentals outperform long-term rentals 15:50 The benefits of self-managing MTRs: better cash flow & control24:10 Tenant screening tips to secure quality tenants and renewals32:40 How to screen tenants without a U.S. Social Security Number36:20 Handling service animals and emotional support pets professionally38:55 Overcoming challenges in self-management: tenant disputes & contractorsAmelia’s insights will inspire landlords to rethink their approach to property management. Learn how the self-managing landlord model can maximize your passive income, improve tenant satisfaction, and minimize stress.List Your Property Now:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/list-your-property Trending Midterm Rental Resources:https://www.furnishedfinder.com/Resources/PMResources   The Self-Managing Landlord Book:https://www.womeninvestinrealestate.com/book Hashtags:#BiggerPockets #FurnishedFinder #MTR #MidtermRentals #PassiveIncome #CashFlow #PropertyManagement #LandlordTips #TenantScreening #RealEstateInvesting #realestatepodcastThe Landlord Diaries is brought to you by Furnished Finder, where you can list your property for one low price and pay zero booking fees.