TL;DR

Corporate living offers more than just a place to stay during business trips and other transitional periods, often providing more comfort and practicality than hotels. They can also be a valuable source of income for landlords.

If you're a landlord looking for ways to expand, you may have considered corporate housing. This type of housing involves fully furnished homes for individuals and corporations on a short term or temporary basis. They also serve healthcare professionals, military personnel on temporary duty, and more.

The Global Business Travel Association reports business travel reached around $1.48 trillion by the end of 2024. It's projected to reach $2 trillion by 2028. These executive housing trends show the importance of making it affordable and comfortable. That's where the corporate housing industry comes in.

Overview of Corporate Housing

What is corporate housing? According to the Corporate Housing Providers Association (CHPA), corporate housing refers to fully furnished lodging used as temporary accommodation. They're insured business entities governed by strict safety standards.

There's a wide variety of options, including:

  • Apartments
  • Condos
  • Single-family homes

Corporate housing units may resemble hotel rooms, but there are significant differences. They offer a more homey atmosphere.

You can also expect a better suite of corporate living amenities. Unlike hotels, the properties typically include a full kitchen and laundry. They may offer weekly or every-other-week housekeeping or even grocery delivery. There may even be features such as fitness centers, pools, and business lounges.

Despite these extra features, corporate housing offers a better cost per square foot than a hotel. That makes them cost-effective for companies and every corporate traveler.

Before you plan to invest in a corporate home, know that corporate housing must follow strict laws and regulations and requires renters to sign specific lease forms. However, these long-term leases often offer more flexible terms, so defining clear rental requirements is essential.

How Much Does Corporate Housing Cost?

Corporate housing pricing varies based on location, property type, and length of stay. In most markets, monthly rates are higher than traditional rent but lower than extended hotel stays.

Typical pricing includes:

  • Base monthly rent (often at a premium)
  • Utilities, internet, and furnishings included
  • Optional cleaning or service fees

For landlords, this bundled pricing model creates an opportunity to increase revenue while simplifying billing, while also making it easier to factor recurring expenses like rental property taxes into rental rates.

How Landlords Make Money with Corporate Housing

Corporate housing can generate higher returns compared to traditional leasing, especially in high-demand areas.

Landlords increase income by:

  • Charging premium monthly rates for furnished units
  • Reducing vacancy with mid-term stays
  • Bundling utilities and services into one price

For example, a unit that rents for $2,000/month long-term may generate $2,400–$3,000/month as corporate housing, depending on demand.

Furnished Apartments vs. Fully Furnished Options

The most common type of modern corporate housing is an apartment or condo. Studios are also common. As these typically house one person at a time, having a furnished option can be helpful.

This may include:

  • Linens: bedsheets, towels, curtains, dish towels, etc.
  • Wi-Fi and utilities: Having connections can be useful for short-term tenants
  • Furniture: Bed frames, mattress, couch, dining set and other basics
  • Kitchenware: Pots and pans, coffee machine, plates

If you want to make your corporate rental appealing, consider furnishing with basic items and make sure to mention it in your advertising.

Pro tip: Keep a record of the make and model of appliances and items. That can help you ensure your items are up to date for later repairs or insurance claims, and pair it with a routine rental property inspection schedule to stay ahead of maintenance issues.

Benefits and Advantages of Corporate Housing for Landlords

Corporate housing can be a highly strategic investment for landlords looking to increase revenue, reduce vacancy, and diversify their rental model. Here’s why more property owners are exploring corporate housing as part of their portfolio:

Higher Rental Income Potential

Corporate housing typically commands higher monthly rates than traditional long-term leases. Because units are fully furnished and designed for short- to mid-term stays, landlords can charge a premium—especially in high-demand markets with business travel, healthcare professionals, or relocating employees.

Reduced Vacancy and More Predictable Occupancy

Corporate tenants often book stays ranging from 30 days to several months, helping fill gaps between long-term leases or seasonal slowdowns. With the right demand (near hospitals, business hubs, or universities), landlords can maintain more consistent occupancy throughout the year.

Flexible Leasing Strategy

Unlike traditional 12-month leases, corporate housing allows landlords to adjust pricing and availability more frequently. This flexibility makes it easier to respond to market demand, increase rates during peak seasons, and pivot strategies without being locked into long-term agreements.

Higher-Quality, Lower-Risk Tenants

Corporate renters are often professionals—such as traveling nurses, consultants, or relocating employees—whose housing is funded or supported by an employer. This can mean better cash flow and an opportunity to focus on creating a positive tenant experience that supports retention:

  • More reliable, on-time payments
  • Shorter vacancy turnaround
  • Less wear and tear compared to high-turnover short-term rentals

Less Turnover Stress Than Short-Term Rentals

Corporate housing strikes a balance between Airbnb-style rentals and long-term leasing. With longer average stays, landlords benefit from:

  • Fewer cleanings and turnovers
  • Lower operational intensity
  • Reduced risk of frequent guest-related issues

Turnkey, Premium Offering

Furnished units with utilities included can be marketed as a premium, all-in-one solution, making listings more attractive and competitive. This is especially valuable in cities with strong corporate presence or ongoing relocation demand.

Diversification of Income Streams

Adding corporate housing to your portfolio helps reduce reliance on a single rental model. By blending long-term leases with mid-term corporate stays, landlords can:

  • Hedge against market shifts
  • Maximize earnings across different tenant types
  • Adapt more easily to economic or seasonal changes

Business-Friendly and Scalable

Corporate housing can be systemized and scaled with the right tools. From automated rent collection and lease management to maintenance tracking and reporting, landlords can operate more like a business—without significantly increasing overhead.

Corporate Housing vs. Extended Stays and Extended Stay Hotels

Corporate housing lies in a similar category as extended stay hotels by providing temporary lodging, but they couldn't be more different. Extended stays use a kitchenette, but not a full kitchen like corporate housing.

Corporate housing offers more amenities and additional services, most of which are included in your bill. That's why it's a better value for stays longer than 30 days.

When to Choose Extended Stay Solutions

Extended stay hotels are better for short projects or relocations. It provides you with a place for a short-term stay and quick access to extra services.

Corporate housing is typically better for relocations or projects over extended periods longer than a few months. It saves money for large project teams of multiple employees. It's also the best option if you want a homey atmosphere.

Use Cases: Business Travel and Extended Stay Assignments

The major business scenarios that favor corporate housing include frequent business relocation or long-term assignments. It's also helpful for improving productivity and providing comfort during long-term remote work. It gives you a comfortable away-from-home place to stay. This can help contractors and those on long-term government assignments who move around frequently.

Corporate housing properties are also more than business accommodation options. They can help residents with medical issues or individuals displaced by a natural disaster. Corporate housing can serve as a place to rest before finding permanent residences.

You can even stay during home renovations in your permanent home. Corporate travel bridges the gap between a permanent home and a temporary stay.

How to Find Corporate Housing and Book Furnished Apartments

If you're a renter looking for corporate housing, you typically would go through your employer. Additionally, there are several places to start if you want to find corporate housing. Look at marketplaces and corporate housing providers offering options in the right location.

Contact and compare the companies to get the best rates. Ask for all-inclusive pricing upfront so you know what you'll be paying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Qualifies as Corporate Housing?

Any fully-furnished property that you're renting out for long-term stays can qualify as corporate housing. You have to use it only for corporate housing purposes for it to qualify. It can't be used for short-term rentals or a traditional rental with a 12-month lease.

Can Anyone Stay In Corporate Housing?

Yes, anyone can take a temporary stay in corporate housing. Despite the name, corporate housing isn't only for business travelers. There is an application process, but if you meet the landlord's requirements, you can enjoy temporary lodging as long as you like.

How Long Do People Stay in Corporate Housing?

The minimum length of stay in corporate housing is 30 days. They're typically rented for an average of 83 days or around three months.

Who Pays for Corporate Housing?

Your employers will typically pay for corporate housing if a stay is business-related. This could include business trips or relocating employees. Individuals have to pay themselves for stays related to personal reasons, such as medical or relocation stays.

Do You Have to Pay Taxes on Corporate Housing?

There are situations where corporate housing may be taxable. Anyone who uses it for personal, non-business purposes must pay taxes.

However, there are several exemptions. If it's on the employer's property and necessary for business, it won't be taxable if it meets IRS requirements. Most states also don't require state income tax on corporate housing.