The Pros and Cons of Renting to Traveling Nurses

If you own a rental property, you’ve likely noticed a growing trend, i.e., traveling nurses looking for short-term, furnished places to stay. These nurses move from one hospital to another, often staying in a city for just 8-13 weeks at a time. Because of this, areas near hospitals, trauma centers, and specialty clinics are having a steady rise in demand for safe, clean, flexible, and temporary housing.

The U.S. had more than 1.7 million traveling nurses in 2025 who took temporary jobs across the country, according to AB Staffing Solutions. Many of them receive housing stipends, which makes mid-term rentals a strong income opportunity for property owners.

With over 15 years of experience in property management, I’ve guided hundreds of landlords in finding reliable tenants and maximizing rental income. I’ve seen renting to traveling nurses can transform a property’s cash flow when approached the right way. In this blog, I will explain who traveling nurses are, the pros and cons of renting to them, and is renting to them worth it.

Who are Traveling Nurses?

Traveling nurses, also known as travel nurses or contract nurses, are registered nurses who temporarily move from one hospital, clinic, or healthcare facility to another. Their assignments usually last 8-13 weeks, but some can extend up to 6 months depending on the hospital demand. Generally, these nurses are often well-paid and receive housing stipends, which makes them highly attractive to landlords.

Key Characteristics of Travel Nurses:

• Highly Professional: Most of the travel nurses are licensed, experienced, and background checked by healthcare organizations.
• Steady Income: Generally, they get decent paychecks and housing stipends, so landlords can get reliable rental income.
• Short-Term stays: They stay in a property for just a few weeks, making them ideal for short-term rentals.
• Prefer Furnished Units: Nurses move in with luggage and personal items, so they prefer properties having furnished finishes.
• Location-Focused: They prefer to choose rentals that are close to hospitals, trauma centers, or medical campuses.

What are the Pros of Renting to Traveling Nurses?

Housing traveling nurses can be a smart strategy for landlords who want a reliable income and minimal hassle. While it’s not the same as a traditional long-term rental, several advantages make accommodation for traveling nurses very attractive. Below are the benefits of renting to traveling nurses:

1. Higher Rental Income

Since travel nurses often receive housing stipends, landlords can charge slightly higher rents than those for normal tenants. Landlords can generate 20-40% more per month than a standard long-term lease, depending on location.

For example, in Oklahoma City, a one-bedroom apartment near a hospital might rent for $1,200 per month long-term. But if you rent it for a traveling nurse, making it furnished and fully ready to move in, you can charge it for $1,500+ per month without much extra cost.

2. Professional and Responsible Tenants

Traveling nurses are highly trained, licensed professionals. They are used to structured schedules, rules, and responsibilities, which often translates into:

• Paying rent on time
• Maintaining a clean living space
• Following the lease rules

Additionally, they are typically busy with their work, meaning less wear and tear on your property. This makes them less likely to cause any property damage or disputes compared to other long-term tenants.

3. Furnished Units are Preferred

Since most contract nurses arrive with minimal belongings, landlords can offer furnished apartments, which can justify a higher rent. Furnished rentals also allow landlords to differentiate their property from standard long-term listings, making it easier to attract travel nurses as well as other healthcare professionals.

4. Shorter Vacancy Risk

Even though travel nurses stay only for a short period of time, this can actually reduce long-term vacancy issues. Many healthcare professionals, including travel nurses, have back-to-back assignments, so you can fill your rental quickly with the next tenant.

For example, if one nurse finishes their 8-week assignment, another nurse may move in soon after. This keeps your property rented most of the year while giving you flexibility for maintenance or personal use between tenants.

5. Flexible Housing Options

Traveling nurses are suitable tenants for landlords who want flexible living arrangements. Some rental options for a landlord include:

• Month-to-month leases for more control
• Rolling contracts that match the assignments of the healthcare industry
• Furnished short-term rentals that can be advertised on platforms like Airbnb

This flexibility is useful if you own multiple rental properties or want frequent turnover with minimal hassle.

6. Lower Risk of Non-Payment

For many traveling nurses employed by hospitals or staffing agencies, rent payments are often guaranteed or backed by stipends. In Oklahoma, the stipend provided to nurses ranges between $1,500-$1,900 per month, as per the Transplant Housing. Hence, they usually never miss a payment, giving landlords peace of mind and a reliable income.

What are the Cons of Renting to Traveling Nurses?

Renting rooms to traveling nurses comes with many benefits, but it also has some challenges that landlords need to understand. Being aware of such challenges can help you plan better and avoid unexpected surprises. Below are the drawbacks of housing traveling nurses:

1. More Frequent Turnover

The contract nurses usually stay for 8-13 weeks, which means you will have multiple tenants every year instead of one long-term tenant.

This leads to:

• More move-in and move-out coordination
• Extra time spent talking to new tenants
• Frequent cleaning and preparing the rental unit

Even though the turnovers are smooth, they still require more involvement compared to a single long-term lease. For landlords who prefer a hands-off, minimal-contact rental, this part can feel like additional work.

2. Higher Cleaning and Maintenance Costs

Because tenants rotate more frequently, the property needs to be cleaned and maintained more often. That includes:

• Washing towels, blankets
• Deep cleaning the bathroom and kitchen
• Cleaning carpets
• Sanitizing and dusting surfaces
• Checking for small repairs
• Restocking small items like batteries and bulbs

Even if nurses are careful and respectful, repeated usage of appliances and furniture will naturally create wear and tear. As a landlord, you need a slightly higher maintenance budget to handle these costs.

3. Furnishing Costs More Initially

Most travel nurses need furnished, move-in-ready units, which means landlords need to provide:

• Bed, mattress, pillows, and blankets
• Sofa, table, chairs
• Kitchen utensils and appliances
• TV, Wifi, and basic decor

Setting up a furnished unit can cost over $2,000, depending on the size and quality of items you choose.

4. Higher Competition

Many landlords are now discovering the travel nurse niche in areas near trauma centers, hospitals, and other healthcare industry listings on platforms like Airbnb and travel nurse housing.

This means you need to:

• Take professional photos
• Keep your rental unit clean and attractive
• Price your unit competitively
• Maintain good reviews online
• Provide flexible lease options

If the market is saturated, it may take longer to attract tenants, especially if you are far from the nearest healthcare centers.

5. Market Demand Can Fluctuate

Even though traveling nurses are usually in steady demand, the number of nurses looking for short-term housing can change throughout the year. These shifts often happen because of:

• Hospital Staffing Changes
• Seasonal trends
• Local medical facility needs
• Changes in travel nurse contracts

As a result of these factors, landlords may face slower booking periods or need to adjust the rent prices to stay competitive during low-demand months.

Is Renting to Traveling Nurses Worth It?

Yes, renting to traveling nurses is worth it for most landlords, especially if you want reliable tenants, steady income, and minimal long-term commitments. But like any rental strategy, the value depends on your property, your location, and your financial goals.

When Is It Worth It?

Housing for contract nurses can be a good choice if:

• You live near hospitals, clinics, or medical centers. Rental Properties within minutes of major healthcare facilities tend to stay booked.
• You want tenants who are responsible and easy to work with. Traveling nurses are licensed professionals with strong job stability and a need for clean, comfortable housing.
• You prefer short-term leases.
• Your rental unit is already furnished, or you’re willing to furnish it. Most of the nurses want a ready-to-live space that feels safe, clean, and comfortable.

In this situation, you can expect higher rental income, fewer problems, and a predictable tenant pool.

When It May Not Be Worth It?

This rental strategy might not be the best for you if:

• Your area doesn’t attract many travel healthcare workers, or the proximity to the healthcare industry is longer. Always check local demand before investing in furniture or marketing.
• You prefer long-term tenants with multiple years of leases. Frequent turnovers mean more cleaning, more coordination, and more time spent preparing the unit.
• You’re not ready to maintain a furnished rental. Furnished units need proper upkeep and may require occasional replacements for items like bedding, appliances, or cookware.

If you’re near a healthcare hub, have a clean and furnished unit, and don’t want longer leases, renting rooms to traveling nurses is one of the most reliable and profitable rental strategies.

Tips for Nurse-Friendly Rental Properties

Housing traveling nurses can be highly profitable, but the success depends on how well you prepare and manage your property. Here are some tips to attract the right tenants and maximize your rental income.

1. Furnish Your Rental Completely

Most contract nurses expect a furnished rental unit. At least, your rental should include:

• Bed, mattress, and dresser
• Sofa, dining table, and chairs
• Towels, linens, and bath mats
• Wifi and basic home appliances
• Kitchen essentials

2. Proximity to Hospitals

Location matters for most nurses. They prefer rentals within a few minutes of a major hospital or medical center. When listing your property online, include the following information:

• Walking or driving distance
• Parking availability
• Nearby conveniences

3. Maintain a Clean and Safe Space

Cleanliness and safety are top priorities for healthcare professionals. Ensure:

• Deep cleaning between tenants
• Regular inspection of furniture and appliances
• Functioning smoke detectors and fire extinguishers
• Secure door locks and safe entry systems

4. Price Competitively

Before listing your property on any platform, research the local market rates first.

• Compare furnished mid-term rentals in your area
• Include utilities in pricing if you want a hassle-free experience for tenants

5. Screen Tenants Professionally

Even though travel nurses are reliable, it’s always good to follow a proper tenant screening process to prevent any future disputes.

• Verify their assignment and employment
• Check references if possible
• Use a signed lease agreement
• Consider a security deposit

Final Thoughts on Housing for Healthcare Professionals

Housing a traveling nurse can be a profitable and low-stress rental strategy if your property is near hospitals, clinics, or medical centers. With the right preparation, you can attract responsible and professional tenants who pay on time and respect your property. However, it comes with certain challenges, including higher turnover, wear and tear, furnishing costs, and occasional vacancy gaps.

If you are ready to explore this market or want expert guidance on preparing your rental property for traveling nurses, OKC Home Realty Services can help you. With years of experience in the Oklahoma rental market, we provide professional property management services.

Contact OKC Home Realty Services today to turn your rental property into a high-demand, profitable space for temporary healthcare staff.

FAQs: Rental Property for Traveling Nurses