How to rent your property to traveling nurses

Traveling nurses cover shortages at hospitals and medical facilities while pursuing travel and exploring new places. Renting your vacation home to them can be a win-win. Not only do you get extra income (and longer leases), but you’re also playing a role in supporting the critical work that travel nurses do.

So, how do you market to this growing niche? Traveling nurses look for month-to-month housing, vacation rentals, or furnished units close to their work. Here are a few tips to draw in more of these lucrative bookings.

How to attract travel nurses

If you have a vacation rental in the city, close to a medical facility, or located around a main attraction a nurse might consider commuting to, proximity is already working in your favor.

Because travel nurses are on the job, they’re looking for spaces where they can live business-as-usual, coupled with a vacation experience.

The most desirable amenities include:

• Location near medical facilities
• Location near public transit
• Location in a desirable neighborhood or near an attraction
• Fully-furnished vacation homes
• Fully-equipped kitchens
• Plenty of storage
• WiFi
• Pet-friendliness (most travel nurse contracts last for several months and if they’re pet owners, they’ll likely want to bring their furry friend along).

Prepare your home for travel nurses

Travel nurses don't want to have to bring all their own furnishings and household items. Providing a fully furnished and equipped rental, including kitchen essentials, makes it move-in ready.

• Stock your home with all the vacation rental essentials, including kitchen necessities and linens
• Clear out closets and cabinets to create extra storage
• Ensure you have high-speed internet and/or streaming

Set up rental terms and agreements

There are key things an Airbnb or Vrbo host should consider when writing a rental agreement for a traveling nurse:

Flexible cancellation policy

Travel nurses may need to cancel or cut short their stay due to contract changes or other unforeseen circumstances. Hosts should offer a flexible cancellation policy that doesn't penalize the nurse heavily for needing to leave early.

Longer lease terms

Travel nursing contracts are typically 13 weeks, so hosts should offer lease terms of 1-3 months rather than capping at shorter stays.

Flexible check-in/out

Allowing flexible check-in and check-out times to accommodate the nurse's schedule is appreciated.

Ensure safety and security

Like with any guest, safety is a top concern for travel nurses. Taking precautions and having the right security essentials in place will go a long way in warding off potential risks.

Help keep your guests safe by providing:

• Emergency equipment, including an up-to-date fire extinguisher, working smoke detectors, first aid kit, flashlight, and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Digital locks
• Video doorbells or security cameras at the front of the home
• Adequate outdoor safety lighting (nurses often have longer shifts and may return home late at night)

If you have an Airbnb or Vrbo and are looking for a reliable and consistent stream of guests, consider marketing your home to travel nurses. With the right approach and a little bit of effort, you can boost your bookings, rental income, and occupancy.