How to Rent a Short-Term Apartment: A Step-by-Step Guide for Travelers and Digital Nomads
Learn how to find, negotiate, and secure the perfect short-term rental—plus tips to save money and avoid common pitfalls. Your ultimate guide to renting like a pro!
Picture this: You’re stepping into your own apartment in a new city. There’s a kitchen where you can whip up your favorite meals, a comfy couch to relax on after a day of exploring and even a balcony with a stunning view.
Short-term apartment rentals are a fantastic way to make your travels feel more like home—whether you’re staying for a week, a month, or longer.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to rent a short-term apartment in most places, from finding the perfect spot to securing a great deal. Let’s dive in and make your next trip unforgettable!
Why Rent a Short-Term Apartment? 🏡🌍
One of the biggest perks of short-term apartments? They feel like home. Here’s what you’ll love:
Kitchen convenience: Cook your own meals, save money, and enjoy your favorite foods.
Living area: Relax on a couch after a long day of exploring. Watch a movie, read a book, or just unwind in a space that’s all yours.
Private bedrooms: Say goodbye to hotel rooms and hello to your own space. Spread out, get a good night’s sleep, and wake up refreshed for your next adventure.
Flexibility 🗺️💰
Short-term rentals offer options for every style and budget:
Locations: Stay in the heart of the city, a quiet neighborhood, or somewhere in between. Want to be steps away from iconic landmarks? Or maybe you’d prefer a local vibe away from the tourist crowds? The choice is yours.
Styles: Choose from modern lofts, cozy cottages, or chic studios. Whether you’re into minimalist design or rustic charm, there’s a rental that matches your taste.
Price points: Find something that fits your budget, whether you’re splurging or saving. Short-term rentals often cost less than hotels, especially for longer stays, and you can often negotiate better deals directly with hosts.
Local Vibes 🏙️🤝
Want to live like a local? Short-term apartments let you do just that:
Immerse yourself in the culture: Shop at nearby markets, chat with neighbors, and explore hidden gems. You’ll get a taste of everyday life that you’d miss in a hotel.
Experience everyday life: Wake up in a real neighborhood, not a touristy hotel zone. Grab coffee at the corner café, take a morning stroll, and feel like part of the community.
Feel at home: Unpack your bags, settle in, and make yourself comfortable. Decorate the space with your favorite snacks, books, or travel souvenirs to make it truly yours.
Determine Your Needs and Budget 🎯💰
What matters most to you in a rental? Here are some key factors to consider:
Location: Do you want to be in the city center, near public transport, or in a quieter neighborhood? Think about what’s most important for your trip—proximity to attractions, safety, or local vibes.
Size: Are you traveling solo, with a partner, or in a group? Make sure the apartment has enough space for everyone to feel comfortable.
Amenities: What do you need to feel at home? A fully equipped kitchen, laundry facilities, strong Wi-Fi connection, workspace, a pool, a gym, or a rooftop?
Length of stay: Are you staying for a week, a month, or longer? Some rentals offer discounts for extended stays, so keep that in mind.
Set a Budget 💸📊
Renting a short-term apartment involves more than just the nightly or monthly rate. Here’s what to include in your budget:
Rent: This is the base cost, but don’t forget to check if there are discounts for longer stays.
Utilities: Some rentals include utilities like electricity and water, while others don’t. Make sure you know what’s covered.
Additional fees: Watch out for cleaning fees, security deposits, or service charges. These can add up quickly, so factor them into your total cost.
Consider Your Lifestyle 🐾💻
Your daily habits and preferences should also play a role in your decision. Ask yourself:
Do you need a workspace? If you’re a digital nomad or working remotely, look for rentals with a desk, good lighting, and reliable Wi-Fi.
Are you traveling with pets? Check if the apartment is pet-friendly and if there are any additional fees or restrictions.
How important is proximity to public transport? If you plan to explore the city, being near buses, trains, or subways can save you time and money.
Use Platforms to Find Listings 🖥️🔍
Here are some of the most trusted platforms for finding short-term rentals:
Airbnb: Known for its wide variety of listings, from cozy studios to luxury homes. Great for both short and long stays.
Vrbo: Focuses on vacation rentals, making it ideal for families or groups looking for larger spaces.
Booking.com: Not just for hotels! It also offers apartments and homes with flexible booking options.
Local rental websites: Check out region-specific sites (e.g., Nestpick for Europe, Sublet.com for the U.S.) for unique listings and local deals.
Each platform has its own strengths, so it’s worth checking a few to compare options.
Read Reviews ⭐📝
Guest reviews are your best friend when it comes to choosing a rental. Here’s what to look for:
Overall ratings: Aim for listings with 4.5 stars or higher.
Recent feedback: Check the most recent reviews to ensure the property is well-maintained.
Specific comments: Look for mentions of cleanliness, host responsiveness, and accuracy of the listing.
Don’t just skim—take the time to read a few reviews to get a sense of what your stay might be like.
Contact the Host Through the Platform 💬🤝
Don’t be shy—hosts expect questions! Here are some key things to clarify before booking:
Property details: Is the apartment exactly as described? Are there any recent changes or updates?
Amenities: Double-check that essentials like Wi-Fi, kitchen appliances, and laundry facilities are available and working.
Check-in process: How does it work? Is there a key lockbox, or will someone meet you? Are there any specific instructions?
House rules: Are there quiet hours, smoking policies, or guest limits you should know about?
Asking questions upfront helps avoid surprises and ensures the apartment meets your needs.
Express Interest 💌✨
When you message the host, let them know you’re genuinely interested in their property. Here’s how to make a great impression:
Mention your length of stay: Hosts often offer discounts for longer stays, so let them know your plans.
Share your purpose: Are you traveling for work, leisure, or a special occasion? This helps hosts understand your needs.
Make special requests: Need an early check-in, a late checkout, or something else? Ask politely—many hosts are happy to accommodate if they can.
A friendly and professional message can go a long way in securing a great rental.
Build Rapport 🤗📞
Establishing a good relationship with your host can make your stay even better. Here’s how to build rapport:
Be polite and respectful: A little kindness goes a long way.
Show enthusiasm: Let them know why you’re excited about their property.
Communicate clearly: Be upfront about your needs and expectations.
A positive connection with your host can lead to better service, helpful local tips, and even future discounts.
Negotiate Directly 📞💬
After your stay (or during), ask the host for their direct contact information.
Here’s how to approach it:
Be professional: “I’ve really enjoyed staying here and would love to keep in touch for future trips. Could I get your email or phone number?”
Explain the benefits: Let them know that working directly can save both of you money by cutting out platform fees.
Negotiate for Better Terms 💰🤝
Once you’ve established direct contact, it’s time to negotiate. Here’s how to get the best deal:
Discuss pricing: Without platform fees, you can often negotiate a lower rate. Be polite but firm: “Would you consider a discount if I book directly with you next time?”
Flexible arrangements: Ask about discounts for longer stays or flexible payment schedules. Many hosts are open to this, especially for repeat guests.
Clarify terms: Agree on check-in/out times, house rules, and any additional fees upfront to avoid misunderstandings.
Be a Respectful Tenant 🏡✨
Every rental comes with its own set of house rules. Respecting them shows you value the host’s property and their trust. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Noise levels: Be mindful of quiet hours, especially if you’re in an apartment building or shared space.
Smoking policies: If the property is non-smoking, don’t light up—even on the balcony.
Guest limits: Stick to the number of guests allowed. If you want to invite someone over, ask the host first.
Following the rules not only keeps the peace but also helps you avoid extra fees or penalties.
Communicate Issues 🛠️📞
If something goes wrong during your stay, don’t wait to speak up. Here’s how to handle it:
Report problems promptly: Whether it’s a broken appliance, a leaky faucet, or a Wi-Fi issue, let the host know as soon as possible.
Be polite and clear: Explain the problem calmly and provide details so they can fix it quickly.
Give feedback: If something isn’t working as expected, constructive feedback can help the host improve for future guests.
Good communication shows you’re responsible and helps maintain a positive relationship with your host.
Leave the Apartment in Good Condition 🧹🏠
When it’s time to check out, leave the apartment as clean and tidy as you found it. Here’s how:
Clean up: Wash dishes, take out the trash, and wipe down surfaces. You don’t need to deep clean, but a little effort goes a long way.
Follow check-out instructions: If the host asks you to strip the beds, lock the doors, or leave the keys in a specific spot, make sure to do it.
Respect the space: Avoid leaving behind personal items or damage that could inconvenience the host or the next guest.
Leaving the apartment in good condition increases your chances of getting a positive review and being welcomed back in the future.
Conclusion 🌟🏡
Renting a short-term apartment directly can be a game-changer for travelers, digital nomads, and anyone looking for a home-away-from-home experience. By cutting out platform fees and negotiating directly with hosts, you can save money, enjoy more flexibility, and build lasting relationships. But as with anything, it requires a bit of effort and caution to get it right.
Recap 📝
Here’s what we’ve covered:
Determine your needs and budget: Know what you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend.
Use platforms to find listings: Start your search on trusted sites like Airbnb or Vrbo, then move the conversation off-platform.
Negotiate directly with hosts: Discuss pricing, flexible arrangements, and terms to get the best deal.
Be a respectful tenant: Follow house rules, communicate issues, and leave the apartment in great condition.
Whether you’re staying for a week or a month, these steps will help you find and secure the perfect short-term rental.