If you own a luxury home in Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Hollywood Hills, or Malibu, leasing offers a powerful way to monetize your asset without selling it. But one of the biggest decisions high-end landlords face is: Short-term or long-term leasing?
Each approach comes with its own advantages, risks, and revenue potential. Whether you're leasing a $6M villa or a $25M gated compound, the right strategy can maximize income, maintain property value, and align with your lifestyle goals.
🕰️ What Qualifies as Short-Term vs Long-Term?
Short-Term Leasing
-
Duration: 1 to 6 months
-
Often fully furnished, move-in ready
-
Typically marketed to celebrities, executives, and international visitors
-
Higher monthly rent, lower occupancy stability
Long-Term Leasing
-
Duration: 12+ months
-
May be furnished or unfurnished
-
Ideal for relocating professionals, diplomats, or wealthy locals
-
More stable income but lower month-to-month rate
➡️ Explore current luxury short- and long-term rentals in LA
💸 1. Which Strategy Delivers the Highest Income?
Lease Type | Avg Monthly Rent (Beverly Hills) | Annual Gross Revenue |
---|---|---|
Short-Term | $60,000–$125,000 | $720,000+ (if fully booked) |
Long-Term | $35,000–$60,000 | $420,000–$720,000 |
Short-term leases typically yield higher rent per month, while long-term leases offer reliable annual income with less turnover and maintenance.
💡 A modern 6,000 sq ft home in the Bird Streets could lease for $45K/month long-term—or $80K+/month short-term with concierge services.
🔄 2. Turnover and Operational Demands
Short-Term Pros:
-
Higher flexibility for landlord
-
Premium pricing per month
-
Ideal for second homes or part-time residences
Short-Term Cons:
-
Requires frequent cleaning and inspections
-
Tenant screening must be swift and accurate
-
May involve seasonal vacancies
Long-Term Pros:
-
Steady, predictable income
-
Less wear-and-tear from turnover
-
Easier property management
Long-Term Cons:
-
May limit access to property during lease
-
Lower month-to-month cash flow
-
Less opportunity to increase rent frequently
➡️ Learn more about managing short-term luxury rentals in Hollywood Hills
🔐 3. Privacy, Security, and Tenant Expectations
Short-Term Tenants:
Often include celebrities, corporate executives, or wealthy international guests. Expect top-tier:
-
Furnishings
-
Tech
-
Privacy features
-
Concierge-level service
Long-Term Tenants:
Typically relocating families, professional couples, or entertainment industry talent seeking:
-
Move-in stability
-
Great school zones
-
Long-term security and maintenance
💡 For homes in Malibu or Beverly Hills Flats, short-term leases during summer or awards season can earn double the annual rent in half the time.
🛋️ 4. Furnished vs. Unfurnished: What Works Best?
-
Short-Term leasing should always be fully furnished and staged
-
Long-Term may go either way—furnished leases attract transitional tenants, unfurnished appeal to relocating families
Pro Tip: Consider maintaining a “furnished core” (furniture, artwork, lighting) but store easily removed pieces if needed.
➡️ See examples of fully furnished homes for lease in Beverly Hills
📊 5. What LA Neighborhoods Are Best for Each Strategy?
Neighborhood | Short-Term Leasing Strength | Long-Term Leasing Strength |
---|---|---|
Beverly Hills | High seasonality + events | Family relocations |
Bel Air | Diplomatic + luxury retreat | Executives + families |
Hollywood Hills | Celebrities + creatives | High-income professionals |
Malibu | Summer + oceanfront | Wealthy seasonal clients |
Los Feliz | Designers + producers | Artistic industry tenants |
🧠 Final Word: The Right Strategy Depends on Your Property & Lifestyle
-
If you're frequently out of town, want flexibility, and have a home that’s entertainment-ready → Short-Term leasing may be ideal.
-
If you want stable, hassle-free income and a reliable tenant base → Long-Term leasing is your best bet.
In some cases, a hybrid model works best: 6-month furnished leases with extension options, or 3-month seasonal rentals during peak months with owner-occupancy in off-seasons.
➡️ Need help deciding how to lease your estate? Start here: Luxury Leasing Insights