The short-term rental landscape has shifted dramatically. If you’re a property owner using platforms like Vrbo or Airbnb, you’ve likely noticed significant changes in the market. Bookings have declined, competition has intensified, and new regulations in major cities are creating additional hurdles for operators.
Recent data shows a dramatic slowdown in the short-term rental market. New STR listings grew by just 6.8% nationwide in 2024, a stark contrast to the 14.4% growth in 2023 and the robust 22.1% expansion seen in 2022. Property owners across the country are grappling with several key challenges:
- Market Saturation: The short-term rental market has become overcrowded, with increased competition driving nightly rates down.
- Regulations & Restrictions: Many cities, including New York and Dallas, have enacted laws limiting short-term rentals, making it harder for owners to stay compliant.
- Economic Uncertainty: Travelers are cutting back on discretionary spending, leading to fewer bookings.
If your rental income is inconsistent or you’re worried about future regulations, it’s time to explore alternative rental strategies that provide higher, more predictable cash flow. Let’s review some of the best Vrbo housing alternatives and how they compare.
1. PadSplit: A high-cash-flow alternative to Vrbo
Best for: Property owners looking for a steady income stream with less turnover and lower vacancy rates.
PadSplit is a coliving platform that helps property owners maximize rental income by renting out individual rooms in a single-family home. Instead of relying on short-term guests who stay for a few nights, PadSplit connects property owners with vetted renters who pay weekly rates and stay for an average of 8-9 months.
Why PadSplit?
Higher Occupancy Rates – Renting by the room reduces vacancy risks.
Consistent Cash Flow – Weekly payments ensure predictable income.
Fewer Turnovers – Members (tenants) stay significantly longer than short-term guests.
Reduced Management Effort – No need to handle frequent guest check-ins/checkouts.
How much can you earn?
Many PadSplit hosts earn 2-3x more than they would with a traditional long-term lease.
Example:
- A homeowner in Atlanta previously rented a 4-bedroom home for $2,300/month.
- By switching to PadSplit and renting rooms individually, they now earn over $4,500/month.
Potential concerns & solutions
“Managing multiple tenants sounds like more work.”
Solution: PadSplit’s platform handles tenant screening, rent collection, and dispute resolution, making management easier than a traditional rooming house.
If you’re looking for higher rental income with lower risk, PadSplit is one of the best Vrbo alternatives available today.
2. Mid-term rentals (Furnished Finder, Airbnb for 30+ Days, Blueground)
Best for: Owners targeting traveling professionals, digital nomads, or remote workers.
If you’re tired of Vrbo’s high turnover but don’t want to commit to a full-year lease, mid-term rentals (30+ days) can offer the best of both worlds. Platforms like Furnished Finder, Airbnb (for extended stays), and Blueground cater to professionals like traveling nurses, corporate workers, and digital nomads who need housing for 1-6 months.
Why consider mid-term rentals?
Longer Stays, Less Turnover – Tenants stay for weeks or months, reducing vacancy.
Lower Maintenance Costs – Less wear and tear compared to short-term stays.
Steady Income – Many tenants (such as travel nurses) receive stipends that cover rent.
How much can you earn?
- Short-term rental (Vrbo): A property might rent for $150/night, but high vacancy rates and off-season dips lower overall revenue.
- Mid-term rental: The same property could generate $3,000-$4,000/month with a consistent occupancy rate.
Potential concerns & solutions
“What if I don’t get enough bookings?”
Solution: Platforms like Furnished Finder specialize in placing travel nurses, a group that consistently needs mid-term housing.
If you own a rental in a city with hospitals, corporate hubs, or universities, mid-term rentals are a great Vrbo alternative.
3. Extended stay hotels & serviced apartments (Sonder, Zeus Living, Kasa)
Best for: Investors who own multiple units and want a hands-off income stream.
If you own multiple properties and want passive income, partnering with extended-stay brands like Sonder, Zeus Living, or Kasa can be a profitable choice. These companies lease properties from owners, furnish them, and operate them as extended-stay rentals, handling guest bookings and management.
Pros & Cons
- Steady, Guaranteed Rent – Many of these companies offer long-term leases to owners.
- Fully Managed – No need to handle guest inquiries, check-ins, or turnovers.
- Great for Multi-Unit Owners – Ideal for those who own apartments or condo units.
- Lower Flexibility – Some agreements require multi-year contracts.
If you prefer a hands-off, guaranteed-income model, extended-stay housing is a solid alternative.
4. Student housing & college rentals
Best for: Owners near universities looking for stable, seasonal income.
If your rental property is in a college town, turning it into student housing can be a high-demand, low-vacancy alternative to Vrbo.
Why consider student housing?
High Demand – Many students need housing year after year.
Prepaid Rent – Some universities and parents pay upfront.
Higher Rent Per Room – Renting by the room can generate more income than a single lease.
Example:
- A landlord near Georgia Tech converted a 4-bedroom house into a student rental, charging $800 per room instead of $2,500 for the whole house.
- Monthly income jumped to $3,200—a 28% increase in revenue.
Pro Tip: Many landlords use PadSplit’s room-rental model to rent to grad students or working professionals near universities.
5. Workforce & section 8 housing
Best for: Property owners looking for guaranteed, long-term rental income with minimal vacancy risk.
For landlords who want steady rent payments without the unpredictability of short-term rentals, workforce housing, and Section 8 rentals offer a recession-resistant option.
Why consider workforce & section 8 housing?
- Guaranteed Rent Payments – Many programs cover all or part of the rent, ensuring landlords get paid on time.
- High Demand, Low Vacancy – Affordable housing shortages mean units remain occupied year-round.
- Long-Term Stability – Many Section 8 tenants stay for years, reducing turnover.
- Recession-Proof – Government-backed rent payments ensure income even during economic downturns.
How much can you earn?
- Section 8 payments vary by location, but in many areas, landlords receive market-rate or above-market rents due to government assistance.
- Workforce housing programs often offer tax incentives for landlords, increasing profitability.
Potential concerns & solutions
“There’s more paperwork with Section 8.”
Solution: While initial approval takes time, once a property is approved, rent payments are directly deposited, and turnover rates are low.
“Are Section 8 tenants reliable?”
Solution: Many tenants in government housing programs stay long-term, reducing vacancy and turnover costs.
If you’re looking for stable, government-backed rent payments with minimal risk, workforce and Section 8 housing can be a solid addition to your rental strategy.
Final thoughts: Choosing the right Vrbo alternative
If your short-term rental profits are shrinking due to regulations, seasonality, or rising costs, these Vrbo alternatives can help you achieve better cash flow with less hassle. Here’s a quick summary of the best options:
For property owners looking for higher rental income with lower vacancy risks, PadSplit stands out as an innovative and profitable alternative to Vrbo.
Common FAQs
What is the best alternative to Vrbo for steady rental income?
PadSplit offers consistent weekly payments and lower vacancy rates than Vrbo.
How does PadSplit compare to Airbnb in terms of cash flow?
PadSplit hosts earn up to 2-3x more by renting by the room instead of the whole home.
Is it better to rent by the room or as a whole property?
Renting by the room (e.g., through a company like PadSplit or student housing) maximizes occupancy and cash flow.
Ready to increase your rental income?
Short-term rentals are becoming riskier, and waiting for the market to improve could cost you thousands in lost income. Smart property owners are already making the switch to more profitable rental models.
- Earn up to 2-3x more than traditional leases
- Reduce vacancy and enjoy consistent cash flow
- Let PadSplit handle resident screening, rent collection, and more
Don’t get left behind! The rental market is shifting, and the most successful investors are adapting NOW.
Click here to apply as a PadSplit host and start earning more today!
