Hosting Longer Stays Like a Pro: What to Stock, What to Expect, and How to Protect Yourself

If you’re thinking about welcoming longer-stay guests, those booking for two weeks or more, and especially 28+ nights, there’s huge upside: higher occupancy, fewer turnovers, and more predictable revenue. There are also new expectations and a few legal considerations you need to understand before you book guests monthly. Below is some advice from a host’s perspective: what to stock, how to set policies, how to handle mail and packages, and the big picture on when “a guest” can become “a tenant” (and why that matters).

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Why Longer Stays Are Different

I recently learned a new term in the message boards that I LOVE: “slowmad.” Google says “a Slowmad is a type of digital nomad who chooses to travel slowly, spending several weeks or months in one location instead of moving frequently. This lifestyle allows for deeper cultural immersion, better work-life balance, and lower travel expenses.” Love.

Short stays are all about speed and sparkle. Longer stays are about function, reliability, and privacy. Guests are living in your place and cooking full meals, doing laundry, working remotely, receiving packages, and expecting hotel-level consistency with a home-like feel. Your systems and supplies should match that.

What to Stock for 2+ Week Stays

I like to think in two buckets: (1) essentials they’ll definitely use, and (2) “life improvers” that make day 10 feel as smooth as day 1.

Kitchen: cook-ready and durable

Core cookware: 2 nonstick skillets (medium + large), 2 pots (small + large) with lids, sheet pan, casserole dish, cutting boards (at least two), sharp chef’s knife, paring knife, can opener, corkscrew.
Utensils & tools: spatula, tongs, ladle, whisk, measuring cups/spoons, peeler, grater, colander, food storage containers with lids, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, zip bags.
Dishes & glassware: service for at least double the max occupancy (guests won’t wash after every meal), mugs, water glasses, wine glasses if appropriate.
Staples: salt, pepper, cooking oil, sugar or sweetener packets, coffee filters, tea assortment. If you provide coffee pods or grounds, stock enough for the full stay or make it clear you provide a starter set.
Cleaning supplies: dish soap, fresh sponge, dishwasher pods (enough for the stay), paper towels, surface spray, trash bags (extras).

Laundry & linens: comfort meets capacity

Linens: at least two full sets of sheets per bed, two pillowcase sets per pillow, and two bath towel sets per guest plus extras for spas/pools if applicable.
Laundry: in-unit washer/dryer if possible; if not, clear instructions for the nearest laundromat. Include detergent pods, stain remover, dryer sheets. Consider a collapsible drying rack.
Mid-stay linen swap: for bookings 7+ nights, offer (or include) a linen refresh at day 7–10. Guests love the option and it keeps your textiles in good shape.

I personally have found that guests prefer to do a mid-stay load of linens laundry or change the sheets to the clean set themselves, rather than having a cleaner stop by.

If you don’t have a washer/dryer in-unit and still want to host longer stays, just include clear instructions in your manual of where they can do laundry, like a coin-operated facility near by. And be sure to leave extra linens so they can just swap out mid-stay and not feel the need to wash your sheets and towels.

Cleaning & consumables: enough for a month

Vacuum, broom + dustpan, mop or Swiffer, toilet brush and bowl cleaner, bathroom cleaner, glass cleaner, microfiber cloths.
Toilet paper (plan at least 1–2 rolls per bathroom per week), facial tissues, hand soap refills, body wash/shampoo/conditioner (full-size pump bottles cut waste), trash bags, light bulbs, and spare batteries.

Many guests, especially for longer stays, will bring their preferred body wash/shampoo/conditioner. Whether I am hosting short or longer term guests, I fill the 3-Chamber Soap and Shower Dispenser. For longer stays, the guests often do not use at all. I will say, I did find this other version that is gorgeous in gold if that coordinates with your hardware better than white or silver.

Comfort & productivity

Reliable Wi-Fi with posted speeds; mesh router if the space is large.
Desk or work surface with a comfortable chair and accessible outlets. If you have space for a dedicated desk, this Sitting to Standing Lift-Top Desk with Drawer and Storage Cubby is beautiful!
Blackout shades or room-darkening curtains for bedrooms.
Climate control clarity: labeled thermostats or mini-split remotes, spare space heater or fan where appropriate.
Streaming-ready TV (no password sharing headaches); instructions for guests to sign in/out.

For stays 28+ nights (or monthly)

Starter pack that lasts 7–10 days, plus a clear note about what you replenish during scheduled cleanings vs. what the guest will provide after the starter set.
Deep storage: extra hangers, an empty dresser drawer or two, and some closet space.
Basic toolkit: tiny screwdriver set, plunger, flashlight; it can prevent after-hours calls for little things. My husband is a pro handyman and has fixed several things over our years of Airbnb stays, from bi-fold closet doors off the track, to wobbly door handles, thanks to a couple of tools being available.

Mid-Stay Service: Set Expectations Early

For bookings longer than 14 nights, I recommend offering optional paid or included cleanings every 10–14 days. This is part guest experience and part asset protection.

Offer tiers:
- Light refresh: new linens and towels, bathroom wipedown, trash removal, quick vacuum.
- Standard turn over: full bathroom + kitchen surfaces, floors, dusting, linens.
- Deep: by request for monthly stays.
Scheduling & notice: State clearly how much notice you’ll give (e.g., 48 hours) and the time window your cleaner will arrive. Always message and ask permission to enter, even if your house rules allow scheduled mid-stay service.

Mail and Package Best Practices (Amazon, USPS, UPS, FedEx)

Longer-stay guests want deliveries. Without a plan, you can end up with missing packages, mailbox crowding, or confusion that can blur the line between “guest” and “resident.” In my opinion and when I’ve stayed as a guest myself, the guest should specifically ask the host. In fact, in my area here in the Pacific Northwest, my Airbnb is close enough to the post office that we are required to have a PO box since there is no mail delivery to each home. So, if a guest attempted to have USPS deliver something, it would not arrive. For Amazon or UPS deliveries, (if they ask) I tell the guest they are welcome to have packages delivered, and we can’t guarantee delivery or be responsible if packages go missing. Also worth noting: make sure their deliveries won’t impact other guests before or after their arrival.

My recommended approach

Spell it out in your house manual:
- Whether you permit mail addressed to the property.
- How to address packages, where they’re delivered, and any building rules.
- What happens with misdelivered items.
Encourage lockers or pickup points:
- Amazon Locker / Amazon Hub lets guests choose a nearby locker and pick up packages with a code—great for security and fewer porch deliveries. It’s free and simple to use.
- UPS Access Point and FedEx OnSite are similar options for non-Amazon packages.
USPS General Delivery (for travelers without a local address):
Some post offices allow mail held under General Delivery for people without a permanent address. Always have guests call the specific post office first to confirm they offer it and the hold time; not all locations do. USPS describes General Delivery as a temporary option for those without an address.
Name labels and security:
- In multi-unit buildings, have guests add “c/o [Your Property/Unit]” and ensure the exact name on the booking is on the mailbox (if permitted).
- For single-family STRs, I prefer lockers to avoid strangers approaching the door and to reduce package theft.
Your involvement:
- I do not handle guest returns or sign for packages. State this upfront.
- If a parcel arrives after checkout, I’ll hold it for a short, defined window or ship it at the guest’s cost. Similarly to when a guest leaves an item behind, I will ship the item back to them and request reimbursement through the Airbnb app.

The Legal Line: When a “Guest” Can Become a “Tenant”

I’m not your lawyer, and this isn’t legal advice. Laws change, and they vary by state and city. If you host monthly stays, talk to a local attorney or property manager.

Why this matters: once occupants are considered tenants, you generally cannot simply remove them by changing codes or calling the platform. You may need to pursue a formal eviction, with notices, timelines, and court procedures.

Common thresholds (and big caveats)

In many jurisdictions, occupants can gain tenant rights after around 30 consecutive days of occupancy (this is a common threshold in hospitality contexts), though the exact rule varies.
California: It’s commonly cited that hotel guests automatically become tenants after more than 30 consecutive days. Once that happens, landlord-tenant protections apply, including formal eviction processes.
New York: 30 days can be a key marker for “permanent resident” status in hotels/SRO contexts, conferring tenant-type protections; nuances apply if the occupant maintains another residence.
Washington State: There are special rules for hotels/motels and long-term guests. For example, state law outlines procedures including a 7-day notice for certain long-term situations; definitions and exceptions are very specific.

Other compilations (from industry and insurance sites) show how state thresholds vary widely. Some states weigh length of stay, contributing to rent/expenses, or even receiving mail at the address. Treat these lists as directional, not definitive. Again, speak with an attorney.

Practical protections for 28+ night bookings

Use a written rental agreement tailored to extended stays that aligns with local law.
Verify identity (platform ID + government ID match).
Collect a security deposit or third-party damage waiver compliant with platform rules and state law.
Clarify utilities (e.g., include up to $X/month for electricity/gas/water, guest pays excess) to avoid surprise bills.
Define notice and access for scheduled maintenance and mid-stay cleanings.
Spell out mail/package policy and prohibit change-of-address to your property unless you explicitly allow it for month-to-month tenancies.

If a long-stay guest refuses to leave

Contact the booking platform (if applicable) and document the issue.
Consult an attorney or even your local police department. Do not attempt self-help (locks, power, codes).
Follow your jurisdiction’s official notice and eviction process for holdover tenants or non-payment, which often differs from short-term guest removals.
Your insurance and platform support may require proof you followed legal procedures.

Pricing, Discounts, and Deposits for Longer Stays

Weekly vs. monthly discounts: Attract longer bookings with a 10–20% weekly and 25–40% monthly discount, then back it up with savings on turnover costs.
Cleaning fees: Consider two line items for true monthly bookings: your standard turnover cleaning fee, plus a mid-stay cleaning if the guest has opted for this. Guests appreciate clarity.
Deposits and payment cadence: For 28+ nights, some hosts require a larger deposit or staged payments (if the platform allows). Make sure your policy aligns with platform rules.

Maintenance and Privacy: Do’s and Don’ts

Do schedule lawn care, snow removal, and trash service at predictable times with notice.
Don’t pop in “just to check something.” After check-in time, it’s their space unless you have permission or it’s an emergency.
Do keep a preventive maintenance list for monthly bookings: HVAC filter check, smoke/CO alarm test, leaky faucet look-over, done with notice or during the optional mid-stay clean.
Don’t create “surprise chores” at checkout. Longer-stay guests are not your maintenance crew.
Read more general “Dos and Don’ts” in my blog posts “Top 10 Short-Term Rental Hosting Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Reviews” and “6 Quick Wins for STR Hosts: Get More 5 Star Reviews This Week!“

Safety & Security Considerations

Smart lock with unique codes per reservation and auto-expire on checkout.
Exterior cameras only (if allowed) and disclosed in your listing.
Fire safety: tested smoke/CO alarms, fire extinguisher with a visible tag, and a posted emergency plan with local contacts.
Spare keys: in a lockbox on site as a backup in case a battery dies or a code fails.

Communication Cadence that Works

Pre-arrival: Send a tailored long-stay message that sets expectations on supplies, mid-stay service, and deliveries.
Weekly pulse checks for 14+ night stays: short and optional. “Hi, just a quick note to confirm that the landscaper will be arriving on Thursday, August 21st between 10am and 12pm. The work should take less than 2 hours.” (And ideally you would have already informed the guest of this, and you are now just reminding).
Two days before checkout: Confirm checkout time, any package pickups, and ask for any maintenance notes that would help the next guest.

Red Flags to Spot Early

Requests to pay off-platform or extend off-platform.
Attempts to change utilities/accounts into their name or to file a change-of-address (firm “no” unless you’re converting to a standard tenancy with a lease).
Excess occupants or unapproved pets. Enforce gently but consistently.

Insurance & Platform Settings

Review your STR insurance to confirm coverage for stays over 30 days. Some policies treat these differently. Industry guidance often notes that long-term occupancy can change both liability and eviction dynamics; check your policy endorsements.
In your platform settings, set minimum/maximum lengths thoughtfully, and update your house rules to reflect long-stay realities (cleaning cadence, deliveries, utilities caps, and maintenance access protocols).

Final Checklist for Hosting 2+ Week Stays

Stock for living: real cookware, double linens, cleaning supplies, extra basics.
Offer mid-stay cleanings with clear notice windows.
Provide a mail/package plan (prefer Amazon/parcel lockers; consider USPS General Delivery only with confirmation).
Use a written agreement for 28+ nights; verify ID and set utilities caps.
Clarify access, maintenance, and privacy.
Know your local laws around guest vs. tenant thresholds and eviction procedures.
Keep communication warm, fast, and predictable.
Action step: Before accepting 28+ night bookings, spend an hour or two with a local landlord-tenant attorney. Have them review your long-stay rental agreement, notice requirements, and the safest way to structure renewals or extensions.

Longer stays can be some of your best, most respectful bookings, with steadier income and fewer turnovers, if you treat them like the hybrid they are: part hotel, part home. Stock thoughtfully, communicate clearly, and button up your paperwork. Do that, and you’ll give guests and “slowmads” a comfortable “home for now,” while keeping your property protected and your hosting stress low.

Do you host longer term stays? I’ve hosted a 3 month and a few 6 weeks stays, all with no issue. How has your experience been?

All the best,

– KP

Why Longer Stays Are Different