Renting My Property to Traveling Nurses. Seeking Advice.

[Yehuda R.]

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!

[Nathan Gesner]

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.