As experts in the management of short-term rental flats, we at Lodging Management have observed the growth of the sector and noted a rising interest from property owners in understanding this rental model more deeply. According to the real estate portal Idealista, currently 3 out of every 10 rental contracts in Barcelona are month-to-month leases, which offer greater profitability and stability compared to holiday rentals.
Increasingly attractive to digital nomads, international students, entrepreneurs, and seasonal workers, Barcelona’s high tenant turnover makes this rental format appealing. As specialists in short-term rentals in Barcelona, we at Lodging Management have prepared this article to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
What Is a Short-Term Rental Contract?
A short-term rental contract can be between 32 days and 11 months. This type of lease is ideal for individuals who need a private space in Barcelona for a few months, offering more stability and comfort than a holiday flat but with greater flexibility than a traditional long-term rental.
Who Uses Short-Term Rentals?
With the rise of flexible work models, many professionals are frequently on the move. These include:
- Digital Nomads: Freelancers or self-employed individuals who use their computers to work from anywhere and take advantage of this to live freely around the world, having new experiences and cultural immersions without renouncing their steady pay. This type of profile doesn’t tend to stay in the same place for many months, but seek well-equipped homes for work and relaxation. They prefer to delegate aspects of their stay like housekeeping and bills so they can concentrate on their work.
- Temporary Workers: Barcelona attracts skilled professionals from around the world for short-term projects or positions in local or international companies. They look for spacious, furnished homes suitable for their families and located in well-serviced neighbourhoods. It’s important to they that their children feel comfortable, that they can travel to school easily, and that their neighborhood is connected to the rest of the city via public transportation.
- Masters Students: Barcelona offers a wide range of Masters programmes and has a vibrant cultural, sport, and leisure scene, making it appealing to students. Because of their youth and the fact that they are travelling alone, they prefer small, well-connected flats with modern amenities.
- Expats: Workers or entrepreneurs who move to Barcelona for its culture or job opportunities. They tend to be workers with high purchasing power or entrepreneurs that typically look for comfortable, attractive flats in lively areas to fully experience the city.
What Are the Benefits of Month-to-Month Rentals?
Month-to-month rentals offer several advantages over other rental models:
- Flexibility for Owners: Short-term contracts provide property owners with greater flexibility, thanks to a more frequent rotation of renters. This is preferable to those who prefer to avoid long-term commitments.
- Higher Profitability: This rental model can be more profitable and offer a more stable income compared to other rental types.
- Control Over Availability: Owners can adjust their property’s availability based on their needs and market demand, taking their flat back when they need to use it.
- Adjustable Pricing: Property owners have the flexibility to set rental prices according to current market conditions.
What kind of License Is Required?
Unlike tourism rentals, month-to-month rentals do not require a specific licence. The main requirement is that the rental contract must last between 32 days and 11 months.
Challenges in Managing Short-Term Rental Flats
With the increase in number of month-to-month contracts, the management of short-term rental flats has become complicated for property owners because they have to stand out in a competitive field.
Managing month-to-month rentals can be challenging due to the need for regular maintenance and the competitive market. Tenants expect well-furnished, stylish properties with modern amenities and excellent service, including cleanliness and prompt issue resolution. Properties that perform well in search engine rankings and have positive reviews are more likely to attract tenants and provide a good level of occupation throughout the year.
Owners quickly discover that managing short-term rental flats involves considerable effort, including marketing, maintenance, tenant coordination, check-ins, and check-outs. Upkeep of the apartment and keeping clients happy requires work.
With 20 years of experience, Lodging Management provides specialised services to handle all aspects of management of short-term rental flats. Our professional team takes care of operational tasks, marketing, and maintenance to ensure high occupancy rates and competitive pricing for your property.
