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MiniStays connects hosts and guests looking for furnished housing for 30 days or more.

To book a stay, follow these simple steps:

  1. Create a Free Host Account: Create a free account on the MiniStays website if you haven’t already done so. 
  2. Verify Your Information: Verify your phone number, email, and identity by uploading a form of identification.
  3. Search for a Property: Specify your location and dates. Use the available filters to customize your search and review listings for properties that meet your needs. 
  4. Inquire and Book a Property: When you find a property you’re interested in, you have the option to book it, inquire with the host, or send a message to the host for more details.
  5. Make the Payment: Pay the security deposit to secure your reservation. After the payment is processed, you’ll receive a notification with the property’s address, entrance details, and house rules.
  6. Move-In and Payments: Your first payment is automatically withdrawn from your preferred payment method on your move-in day. Subsequent payments will be made every 30 days thereafter.

A property is not reserved until the guest makes the required booking payment. Even with an accepted request, other renters can book until payment is made. The property is reserved for the first person to pay.

A booking is confirmed once payment is submitted and both the host and guest complete the process. Once a booking is confirmed, A Booking Confirmation email is sent containing details of the stay, such as the start and end date, user names, property address, and total reservation amount. After receiving this email, the host and guest can coordinate any move-in details directly through the MiniStays Messenger.

As a guest on MiniStays, you are expected to:

  • Treat the Property with Care: Treat the property as if it were your own home.
  • Respect the Community: Be respectful of your neighbors and follow any neighborhood rules. 
  • Proper Use of Furniture: Keep indoor furniture indoors and in good condition, aside from normal wear and tear.
  • Report Damages: immediately report damages to furniture or the property to MiniStays and your host. Guests may be liable for unreported damages that go beyond normal wear and tear.
  • Responsibility for Missing Items: Guests are responsible for the cost of replacing any missing items after they move out.

At MiniStays, we prioritize safety and trust to provide the most reliable platform for monthly furnished rentals. Here’s how we achieve that:

Safety and Trust

  • ID Verification: Both hosts and guests must complete our ID verification process through MiniStays to create an account, list a property, and book a stay.
  • Optional Background Checks: Hosts can require a background check through MiniStays.
  • Secure Payments: All payments are processed through MiniStays to prevent scams. If anyone asks you to communicate or make payments outside of the platform, this is against our policy and may result in a ban.
  • Building Trust: Open communication and profiles for hosts and guests.
  • Booking Options: Instant book available for convenience, but communication before booking is recommended.
 

Creating an account and booking on MiniStays is easy, affordable, and comes with several benefits:

  • FREE to Browse and Create an Account: No cost to explore listings or sign up.
  • Service Fee: MiniStays charges a low service fee of 3-5% when booking a property, based on your payment method.
    • Bank Transfers (ACH): 3% service fee.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: 5% service fee.
  • Commitment to Low and Transparent Fees: MiniStays keeps fees low and transparent, providing essential tools for a trustworthy marketplace in monthly furnished rentals. For example, booking a $2,000/month property with a bank transfer incurs a 3% service fee—just $60, compared to 15%+ charged by competitors.

No, there are no hidden fees. All fees and payment schedules are clearly shown at checkout:

  • Upfront Payment: Security deposit plus MiniStays service fee (3%-5%) are charged at reservation.
  • On Your Move-In Date: First month’s rent, cleaning fee (if applicable), pet fee (if applicable), and MiniStays service fee (3%-5%) are charged on the check-in date.
  • Subsequent Rent Payments: Rent plus MiniStays service fee (3%-5%) are charged every 30 days, prorated if needed,  until your contract ends.

MiniStays mandates that properties include basic utilities (electricity, gas, water, sewer, and trash, and so on) in the monthly rate, ensuring comfort and convenience for guests.

MiniStays hosts can choose from Flexible, Moderate, Firm, and Strict cancellation policies. It is important to review the host’s cancellation policy before booking, as it affects your deposit. Security deposits are paid directly to the host at booking, with refunds handled according to the selected policy.

Hosts set the security deposit, typically 30-40% of monthly rent or a flat fee ($500 or $1,000). Common flat fees for mid-term rentals are $500 or $1,000, regardless of the rent amount.

  • Security Deposit Payment: Typically the first payment when reserving, processed within 3-5 days of your reservation and helps protect the host against no-shows or last-minute cancellations.
  • Refundable Deposits: Refundable within 14 days after your stay ends.
  • Damage Assessment: Hosts must fairly assess damages versus normal wear and tear. Hosts must obtain and retain proof if they decide to withhold any portion of your deposit. Dishonesty or unfair practices by the host can negatively impact their reviews and may result in a temporary or permanent ban from MiniStays. 

All properties on MiniStays require a minimum stay of 30 nights, with no exceptions. The website prevents bookings for less than 30 nights. Guests can extend their stay beyond 30 days with host approval, and any additional days beyond the initial 30 are prorated. For example, if staying 43 days, guests pay for 30 days at check-in, and the prorated payment for the remaining 13 days is due 30 days after check-in.

Most hosts don’t offer showings to protect current tenants’ privacy. Listing photos accurately depict the specific unit.

Unfurnished properties are not allowed. MiniStays requires all listings to be fully furnished, with essential furniture and utilities included in the monthly rate for the comfort and convenience for our guests. 

Each property should include:

  • All Utilities: Electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, and so on.
  • All Furnishings: Beds, desks, couches, chairs, and other essential furniture as pictured in the listing.
  • Kitchen Essentials: Cookware, dinnerware, and kitchen appliances.
  • Linens and Towels: Fresh linens, towels, and other necessities.

If these amenities are missing, report it to MiniStays immediately. We will ensure the host meets our standards moving forward.

Absolutely, yes! If you encounter any issues, such as a user being dishonest, employing questionable tactics, or asking you to take communication off the platform, please let us know immediately. We take these matters seriously and will conduct an internal investigation, taking action as needed.

To report a property:

  1. Go to the Contact Us section on our website.
  2. Provide details about what happened.
  3. Include the property you’re referring to and be sure to copy/paste the link to the listing so we can accurately identify it.

Your feedback helps us maintain the safety and integrity of the MiniStays community.

Lawn care and snow removal vary by host; services may be provided, or tools supplied for self-management. Discuss these details before finalizing your reservation and ensure they are outlined in the lease if applicable.

MiniStays allows payment on behalf of another person; guests should inform the host before booking to avoid confusion.

Report any broken items or maintenance issues directly to your host. If unresolved, contact MiniStays support for assistance.

All payments must be made through MiniStays; cash and checks are not accepted. Payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, and ACH. Payments made outside the platform may result in suspension or a lifetime ban to ensure safety and keep the platform’s integrity.

Guests must coordinate move-out with their hosts and ensure all personal belongings are removed, leaving the property in its original condition.

MiniStays is dedicated to offering furnished rentals on a monthly basis. Our founder, who is both a guest and a host, established MiniStays because of his own dissatisfaction with existing options in the market. He created a platform that provides all the essential tools and resources that hosts and guests require for mid-term furnished rentals. Some key features include simplicity, transparent pricing, security deposits, leases, low fees, payment processing, and autoblocking calendars. MiniStays is undoubtedly the most comprehensive and cost-effective booking platform tailored for stays of 30 days or more.

Listing your property on MiniStays is simple and comes with several benefits:

  • FREE to List: It is completely free to list your property on MiniStays. You can create your host profile and upload as many listings as you want at no cost.
  • Service Fee: MiniStays only charges a 2% service fee when a booking is made.
  • Help with Uploading Listings: If you need assistance uploading a listing, reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to help.
  • Transfer Listings from Other Sites: If you have multiple listings on other platforms like Airbnb, our Host Concierge team can manually transfer them for you. Whether you have 10, 100, or 1,000 properties, we’ve got you covered so you don’t have to lift a finger!

MiniStays allows hosts to rent out individual rooms or entire properties, catering to the growing demand for affordable living options. Guests, typically employed professionals, make reliable roommates, offering a practical way for hosts to monetize extra space. Whether you want to rent a single room or your entire property, MiniStays provides a flexible solution for both hosts and travelers.

Listing your property on MiniStays is easy and free.

  1. Create a Free Host Account: Create a free host account on the MiniStays website if you haven’t already done so.
  2. Verify Your Information: Verify your phone number, email, and identity by uploading a form of identification.
  3. Set Up Payments: Create or connect a Stripe account to enable payouts for your bookings.
  4. Add Your Property Listing: From your Host Dashboard, select Listings in the left column and Add Listing in the upper-right corner.
  5. Enter Listing Details: Provide detailed information about your property, including a description, photos, pricing, availability, amenities, and more. This helps guests know what to expect during their stay.
  6. Consider Cancellation Policy and Security Deposit: Carefully consider each cancellation policy option alongside your security deposit policy. When filling out your security deposit policy, be as thorough as possible to protect yourself and inform guests about what to expect regarding cancellations, property damage, and the expected timing of deposit return.
  7.  Publish Your Listing: Once all the required information is filled out, select Publish Listing.
  8. Congratulations! You have successfully listed your first property on MiniStays!

Many hosts struggle with getting bookings, and upon reviewing their listings, MiniStays often finds common that hinder their success: photos taken on a phone, unmade beds, and insufficient lighting. These seemingly small details can drastically reduce your listing’s appeal, making it harder to attract bookings at a competitive price point.

  • Professional-Quality Photos: MiniStays recommends investing in professional photography. High-quality images capture your property in the best light, highlighting its features and making it stand out in a crowded market. The investment typically costs less than $250 and you’ll likely see a return on this investment with your first booking. Need help finding a professional photographer in your area? Contact us!
  • Cleanliness is Crucial: A clean, well-prepared space is essential for making a strong first impression. Before any photos are taken, ensure your property is spotless, with beds made and everything in its place. A tidy and inviting space not only appeals to potential guests but also reflects the care and attention you put into maintaining your property.
  • Consider Your Demographic: Understanding and catering to your target demographic is key to creating an appealing and comfortable space. Since a significant portion of our guests are female, it’s important to select furniture, linens, décor, and amenities that resonate with their preferences. Thoughtful touches and a well-curated space can make all the difference in attracting the right guests and ensuring positive reviews.

Hosts set the security deposit, typically 30-40% of monthly rent or a flat fee ($500 or $1,000). Common flat fees for mid-term rentals are $500 or $1,000, regardless of the rent amount.

To help you understand the importance and handling of security deposits, here are key points to consider:

  • Security Deposit Payment: Typically the first payment when reserving, processed within 3-5 days of your reservation and helps protect the host against no-shows or last-minute cancellations.
  • Refundable Deposits: Refundable within 14 days after your stay ends.
  • Damage Assessment: Hosts must fairly assess damages versus normal wear and tear. Hosts must obtain and retain proof if they decide to withhold any portion of your deposit. Dishonesty or unfair practices by the host can negatively impact their reviews and may result in a temporary or permanent ban from MiniStays. 

Unfurnished properties are not allowed. MiniStays requires all listings to be fully furnished, with essential furniture and utilities included in the monthly rate for the comfort and convenience for our guests. 

Each property should include: 

  • All Utilities: Electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, and so on.
  • All Furnishings: Beds, desks, couches, chairs, and other essential furniture as pictured in the listing.
  • Kitchen Essentials: Cookware, dinnerware, and kitchen appliances.
  • Linens and Towels: Fresh linens, towels, and other necessities.
If these amenities are missing, guests can report it to MiniStays.

All properties on MiniStays require a minimum stay of 30 nights, with no exceptions. The website prevents bookings for less than 30 nights. Guests can extend their stay beyond 30 days with host approval, and any additional days beyond the initial 30 are prorated. For example, if staying 43 days, guests pay for 30 days at check-in, and the prorated payment for the remaining 13 days is due 30 days after check-in.

MiniStays caters to a diverse range of travelers, each with unique needs. While proximity to major cities or hospitals is beneficial for travel nurses and professionals, success isn’t solely dependent on location. Properties in warmer, even remote, areas can attract seasonal travelers like snowbirds. Our guests include technology professionals, military personnel, grad students, construction workers, and athletes, so location preferences vary widely.

Listing your property on MiniStays is free, so it’s definitely worth giving it a try!

Most hosts don’t offer showings to protect current tenants’ privacy. Make sure your listing and photos accurately depict the specific unit.

Hosts can request a $40 background check from for guests using MiniStays before allowing them to book their property through MiniStays. 

  1. From your Host Dashboard, select Background Check in the left column.
  2. Enter the renter’s information and email and they will be emailed a link to complete the screening. 

Tips:

  • The fee be charged to the guest, refunded upon acceptance, or deducted from the first month’s rent if the guest is approved.
  • Some hosts prefer to request a recent background check if the guest completed one a few months prior. Hosts may also ask for past host references or a work contract and contact the guest’s employer. If a guest can provide any or all of these, some hosts find it sufficient and may not require an additional background check.

A property is not reserved until the guest makes the required booking payment. Even with an accepted request, other renters can book until payment is made. The property is reserved for the first person to pay.

A booking is confirmed once payment is submitted and both the host and guest complete the process. Once a booking is confirmed, A Booking Confirmation email is sent containing details of the stay, such as the start and end date, user names, property address, and total reservation amount. After receiving this email, the host and guest can coordinate any move-in details directly through the MiniStays Messenger.

MiniStays allows payment on behalf of another person; guests should inform the host before booking to avoid confusion.

The best way to contact guests is through our MiniStays Messenger, located in your Host Dashboard.. It’s the safest and most secure way to protect against fraud.

MiniStays mandates that properties include basic utilities (electricity, gas, water, sewer, and trash, and so on) in the monthly rate, ensuring comfort and convenience for guests.

Lawn care and snow removal vary by host; services may be provided, or tools supplied for self-management. Discuss these details with your guest and ensure they are outlined in the lease if applicable.

Our research shows that about 33% of mid-term travelers bring pets. While not required, allowing pets can boost your booking potential. Guests usually understand the risks and are often willing to pay a higher security deposit or pet fee. MiniStays allows hosts to include a pet fee, but it’s entirely your choice whether to allow pets and set the fee.

To ensure a smooth payment process, MiniStays uses Stripe. As a host, you must create or connect a Stripe account from the Payments option of your Host Dashboard. If you do not do this, you will not get paid.

Here’s how and when you, as a host, will receive payments: 

  • Reservation Deposit: The security deposit is charged at reservation.
  • Initial Charges on Check-In Date: First month’s rent, cleaning fee (if applicable), and pet fee (if applicable) are charged on the guest’s check-in date.
  • Subsequent Rent Payments: Rent payments are made by the guest every 30 days thereafter, prorated if needed, until their contract ends.
  • Payment Transfer Timeline: Once a payment is made, it typically takes 3-5 business days for the funds to transfer to your account.
 

All payments must be made through MiniStays; cash and checks are not accepted. Payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, and ACH. Payments made outside the platform may result in suspension or a lifetime ban to ensure safety and keep the platform’s integrity.

Guests must coordinate move-out with their hosts and ensure all personal belongings are removed, leaving the property in its original condition.

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