How to Book a Vacation Rental for Long Term at a Discount

If you’re struggling to find a place to rent, you’re not alone. It’s a hot market out there, so you’ll have to think outside the box when it comes to finding a place. So, if you’re looking for a furnished apartment, an Airbnb, VRBO or vacation rental might be your best bet. Especially if you’re okay with renting in shorter increments, as in three to six months. What better way to explore a town and change the scenery! If you plan on buying some day, this is a great way to figure out which areas you like best.

However, some Airbnb or vacation renters might be tired of the constant turnover. Sure, a lot of them might laugh you off, but many are looking to simplify and if you have a good track record (good references and credit help too), they might just consider letting you rent long term. Here are some helpful tips in how to book a vacation rental for long term at a discount.

Actively Search Online for Deals

Your mind may be set on certain accommodations (such as a beach house) or a specific location (a rental on the lakeshore), but you should actively search online for the best deals.

Look for Places that Have “Cheap” in the Description

As you browse vacation rental listings, keep an eye for places that have “cheap” in the description. The owners are likely okay with having you book at a cheaper price. However, as with any rental listing, be sure to fully read the description, any reviews, and view any photos of the property, to avoid scams. If a listing is too good to be true, then it probably is. Don’t be afraid to call up the property owner and ask any questions.

Look for Places Off the Beaten Path

Each town has areas where it is extremely popular or desirable to stay, which in turn makes the surrounding Airbnb’s and vacation rentals expensive and hard to book. Instead, consider vacation rentals off the beaten path, or out of the city. While you may not be located right by all the main attractions or points of interest, you’re more likely to find a better deal, and a place to book in the first place. Also, staying out of town can afford you peace and quiet, a nice change from all the hustle and bustle of high in demand vacation rental and touristy areas.

Use a Filter

Some sites, such as VRBO, even have filters that let users sort and view places by special rates.

Sell Yourself as a Great Guest

Any owner of a rental property is wary of prospective renters. As with looking for a standard apartment, with Airbnb’s and vacation rentals you will want to sell yourself as a responsible, credible renter. For instance, if you have a good track record, presenting your solid credit score and a set of references is a smart move. Also let property owners know a little about who you are and why you’re staying – this establishes trust and can make owners more likely to give a discount. Vacation renters encounter high turnovers at their properties, so having a long term and responsible renter is a welcome break for them.

Know When and How to Book

Just when you book a vacation rental – whether well ahead of time or at the last minute – can influence the chances of getting a discount for a long term stay.

Look for Places with Big Swaths of Availability on their Calendar

As you browse through vacation rental listings, keep an eye for places with plenty of availability on their calendar. Vacation renters don’t want their places sitting vacant, especially for prolonged periods, so they may be more inclined to offer a discount for interested guests.

Book Sooner Rather Than Later

If you’ve found an area you want to stay in, you’re better booking sooner than later. Property managers don’t want their summer and vacation rentals sitting empty, and rather than scrambling to find someone at the last minute, they may book you now at a discounted rate.

Book in the Off Season

It’s much easier to snag a vacation rental for long term at a discount when you book in the off season. For example, you can get a good deal for a summer rental in Arizona during the summer, as opposed in the winter, when “snowbirds” flock to the desert to escape cold weather. No matter the place, be sure to do the research to find out what seasons are the most and least busy. Also consider annual events as well, such as concerts and festivals, and how those affect vacation rental availability and prices, and book well in advance.

Look for Last Minute Deals

While booking early is often better, you can also sometimes get a discounted rate by finding last minute deals. As property owners can be desperate to fill their place, they may offer a special discount. Or, they may be more open to you negotiating for lower rates. To optimize getting a good last-minute deal, browse around in the two weeks prior to your arrival date, and contact the owners to see about a discount.

Offer to Pay for a Professional Cleaner at the End of Your Stay

When trying to get a discount for a vacation rental, it’s always smart to offer something in return to the owners. For example, mention upfront that you can offer to pay for a professional cleaner at the end of your stay. As Airbnb and vacation rental owners spend time on making sure their place is ready and clean for incoming guests, offering to have this done, especially after a long-term stay, is great bargaining tool for earning a discount.

Simply Ask for a Lower Rate

Call or talk with the property manager and ask for a lower rate. If you find you need a last minute place, need a place during the off season, or you plan to stay longer than a week, name a rate you’re willing to pay. Of course, be prepared to walk away, as not all owners are willing to negotiate the rate. The more in demand a place is, or more closely located to places of interest, the harder it may be to get a discount.

But how exactly to negotiate for a lower price, you ask? Start by asking 25% off the price listed, but in reality expect to accept percentages lower than that, around 10-15% off. As always, being polite and friendly helps in asking for a discount.

Be Flexible

In order to get discounts for extended stays, be flexible in terms of location, amenities, views, and property types (cabin v. condo, duplex v. house). Know that you may not get everything you originally wanted (for example, beachside location), but that you’re more likely to get a better deal by staying at a place that is less frequented or doesn’t have the best views.