Renting My Property to Traveling Nurses. Seeking Advice.

Tampa, Florida
Real Estate Deal Analysis & Advice
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Renting My Property to Traveling Nurses. Seeking Advice.

Yehuda R.
Rental Property Investor · Member since 2019 · 36 posts · 14 votes

Hi BiggerPockets Community,

I’m exploring the idea of renting my 5-bedroom property in Tampa, Florida, 

to traveling nurses and could really use your advice!

 Fully furnished, with all utilities included. Spacious common areas and a quiet neighborhood.

    I’m drawn to this tenant group because traveling nurses often make great renters—employed, responsible, and in need of temporary housing. However, I’d love to hear from anyone with experience in this market.

    What platforms or services have you found most effective for connecting with traveling nurses? Do you have tips for structuring short-term leases that protect me as a landlord while accommodating their needs?

    Additionally, I’d appreciate advice on pricing. What factors should I consider when setting rent per room? Is it better to include utilities and amenities in the price? Are there specific features traveling nurses value most in a rental?

    If anyone has experience renting to traveling nurses—or insights about short-term room rentals in Tampa—I’d be grateful for your thoughts and suggestions.

    Thank you in advance for your help!

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    Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    1y

    It's possible, but it can be tough. Unless you're in the right market, traveling nurses can be hit-or-miss. You may be full for three months, then sit vacant on some rooms for three months or more. Expect a higher rent rate, but also higher turnover and longer vacancies.

    I've rented to dozens of traveling nurses and would say about 50% of them were nuts. Poor communicators, poor housekeeping skills, prescription med abuse, big dogs that they couldn't properly care for, damaging, etc. If that's my experience in a small town, I suspect it's probably everywhere. I wouldn't bet my life on 50%, but I would bet they are more problematic than the typical long-term renter.

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    • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
      Moderator
      Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
      1y

      It's possible, but it can be tough. Unless you're in the right market, traveling nurses can be hit-or-miss. You may be full for three months, then sit vacant on some rooms for three months or more. Expect a higher rent rate, but also higher turnover and longer vacancies.

      I've rented to dozens of traveling nurses and would say about 50% of them were nuts. Poor communicators, poor housekeeping skills, prescription med abuse, big dogs that they couldn't properly care for, damaging, etc. If that's my experience in a small town, I suspect it's probably everywhere. I wouldn't bet my life on 50%, but I would bet they are more problematic than the typical long-term renter.

      The DIY Landlord Book4.7243 Reviews
      WebsiteView Page
      1Reply
    • Obed Calixte
      Real Estate Agent · St Petersburg, FL · Member since 2019 · 321 posts · 182 votes
      1y

      If you are specifically targeting travel nurses, it will benefit greatly if the home is near a hospital. 

      There are plenty of great renters aside from travel nurses looking to rent by the room and most will be outside of the healthcare field.

      To your questions:

      If the home will be furnished,  Furnished Finder will need to be amongst those that you use.

      Other top platforms: FB Marketplace, Zillow, Roomster, Airbnb, Nextdoor.  Padsplit may also be an option if you want to be a little less active in managing. 

      For pricing- take a look at listing nearby your home on furnished finder and FB marketplace to determine what market rents are and the features and amenities being offered. 

      1Reply
    • Yehuda R.
      OP
      Rental Property Investor · Member since 2019 · 36 posts · 14 votes
      1y

      thank you for your help

      0Reply
    • Jules Aton
      MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      1y

      Travel nurses are making bank and sometimes I think the locums companies provide lodging. Either way I would be surprised if they are interested in house sharing. 

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