STR Realtor Tips & Market Insight
Healthcare workers are the backbone of mid-term rentals. Travel nurses, medical fellows, and locum doctors often need housing for 30 to 90 days while they work temporary hospital assignments across the U.S. For STR realtors and investors, this is a stable, high-demand niche with excellent returns if you know what renters actually want.
If you’re targeting this group, forget the hot tub and game room. Focus on practical comforts that support long shifts, fast transitions, and peace of mind. Let’s break down the top five amenities that matter to this group and how to tailor your property (and listing) to stand out.
1. High-Speed Internet & Functional Workspace
After long shifts, many healthcare workers need to:
- Chart notes
- Take online CEU classes
- Relax with Netflix or video call family
If your rental has laggy or unreliable Wi-Fi, you’ll hear about it fast. In fact, in a survey by Furnished Finder, over 90% of travel nurses rated Wi-Fi quality as a “must-have.”
What to do:
- Include 300 Mbps+ internet, name the provider, and list it in your amenities.
- Set up a simple desk with a lamp, surge protector, and comfy chair.
- If space is tight, a wall-mounted fold-out desk works too.
2. In-Unit Laundry
This one’s huge. Mid-term renters don’t want to drag scrubs to a laundromat or share washers in a building basement.
Even in smaller spaces, a washer/dryer combo boosts appeal massively. It signals that your unit is ready for real-life living, not just weekend getaways.
Pro tip: Add a laundry basket and a starter pack of detergent pods to show you’re thinking ahead.
3. Fully Equipped Kitchen
Shift workers often leave for work before sunrise and get home long after restaurants close. Cooking at home isn’t just about saving money—it’s about control, routine, and comfort.
A good kitchen setup shows you’re catering to their lifestyle, not just their stay.
What to include:
- Microwave, toaster, stove/oven, full-size fridge
- Pots, pans, plates, utensils, knives
- Coffee maker, kettle, and basic spices
Healthcare renters are often on special diets or time-restricted eating plans—give them what they need to stay consistent.
4. Location Close to Hospitals + Parking
When you’re working 12-hour shifts, even a 20-minute commute can feel like an hour. Proximity to the hospital or clinic is a top priority.
Many healthcare workers filter listings by distance from their assignment—usually aiming for under 10 miles.
Also important: safe, simple parking.
Depending on your market, street parking may be fine—but reserved or garage space always wins extra points.
Quick tip for STR investors: You can find top-performing healthcare zones using Chalet’s STR Calculator, which includes location-level insights and nearby hospital mapping.
5. Flexible Lease Terms
Hospitals don’t always give exact dates. Assignments change last minute. That’s why flexibility in lease structure can be the make-or-break factor.
Rigid 3-month minimums with no room for extensions can cause renters to look elsewhere.
What to offer:
- 30-day rolling leases
- Easy extensions
- Clear terms (no legalese)
Even better? Consider a flat-rate monthly price that includes utilities, Wi-Fi, and maintenance—healthcare workers want simplicity.
