One of the most common questions we get from Lake Tahoe property owners: should I do short-term vacation rentals or lease my property long-term? The answer depends on your goals, involvement level, and property specifics. Let's break down the real numbers.
The Revenue Comparison
Here's a side-by-side comparison for a typical 3-bedroom Tahoe Donner property:
In this example, the short-term rental generates 34% more net income than the long-term rental. But the story doesn't end with just the numbers.
Pros of Short-Term Rentals (STR)
Cons of Short-Term Rentals
Pros of Long-Term Rentals (LTR)
Cons of Long-Term Rentals
Which is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your priorities:
Choose Short-Term Rentals If:
- • You want to maximize revenue
- • You want to use the property yourself occasionally
- • You're comfortable with professional management
- • Your property is in a desirable vacation location
Choose Long-Term Rentals If:
- • You prioritize simplicity and predictability
- • You don't need to use the property
- • Your property doesn't qualify for STR permits
- • You prefer minimal involvement
“For most Tahoe properties with STR potential, the short-term rental route generates significantly more income—often 30-50% more annually. The key is having the right management partner to handle the complexity.”
— Michael Lawton, Founder
Get a Personalized Analysis
We'll compare STR vs LTR projections for your specific property.