Furnished vs. Unfurnished

Short-Term vs Long-Term Leasing for Luxury Properties in Los Angeles: What Landlords Need to Know

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

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