By: Dr. Connor Robertson

Denver’s housing market has been under pressure for years, with demand consistently outpacing supply and prices rising faster than many residents can afford. While policymakers and developers debate long-term solutions, an often-overlooked strategy is emerging as a practical way to bridge gaps in housing availability: mid-term rentals. Dr. Connor Robertson, a real estate strategist focused on sustainable housing solutions, sees mid-term rentals as a tool that can provide flexibility, affordability, and stability for a range of residents. His perspective emphasizes the role of these rentals in meeting specific needs that traditional housing and short-term rentals often overlook.

What Are Mid-Term Rentals?

Mid-term rentals are furnished housing units rented for periods typically ranging from one to six months. They differ from short-term rentals (like vacation homes booked for a few nights) and long-term leases (often 12 months or more).

The mid-term rental model appeals to people who need housing for a fixed but limited period, such as:

• Traveling professionals on work assignments.
• Families relocating and needing a temporary home before buying.
• Students in semester-long academic programs.
• Residents displaced by renovations or emergencies.

In Denver, where the rental market is competitive and moving costs can be high, mid-term rentals fill an important gap.

Why Mid-Term Rentals Matter in Denver

Denver’s housing crisis is characterized by two key problems: insufficient affordable housing and a shortage of flexible housing options. Mid-term rentals address both challenges in specific ways.

First, they offer move-in ready housing without the need for residents to purchase furniture or commit to long-term leases. This is especially valuable for people transitioning into or within the city.

Second, mid-term rentals can reduce strain on emergency housing resources. Residents facing temporary displacement due to flooding, fire, or other emergencies often struggle to find suitable, affordable places to live for several months. Mid-term rentals can provide stability during these transitions.

Dr. Robertson points out that the flexibility inherent in mid-term rentals can help cities like Denver adapt to fluctuating housing demands. “They give the market a pressure release valve,” he explains. “When housing needs shift quickly, mid-term rentals can absorb that demand without locking people into arrangements that don’t fit their situation.”

Balancing Affordability and Profitability

One concern often raised about mid-term rentals is their potential impact on housing affordability, especially if large numbers of units are converted from long-term rentals. Dr. Robertson believes that balance is key.

If mid-term rentals are priced competitively and distributed across neighborhoods, they can expand options without removing too many units from the long-term rental pool. He notes that well-managed mid-term rental programs can free up housing stock by moving residents who don’t need a full-year lease out of long-term units, making those available to others.

Mid-Term Rentals vs. Short-Term Rentals

In cities like Denver, short-term rentals have been criticized for driving up housing costs and reducing availability for residents. Mid-term rentals offer a different dynamic.

Because they cater to longer stays, mid-term rentals are less likely to cause high turnover or create the constant traffic associated with nightly rentals. They also attract a different type of tenant, often working professionals or families who tend to be more stable and invested in the property’s upkeep.

Dr. Robertson sees mid-term rentals as a middle ground that delivers flexibility without many of the drawbacks linked to short-term rentals.

How to Make Mid-Term Rentals Work for Denver

For mid-term rentals to contribute meaningfully to Denver’s housing landscape, certain conditions need to be met:

• Clear regulations that distinguish mid-term rentals from short-term rentals, ensuring fair taxation and compliance.
• Incentives for property owners to offer mid-term leases at competitive rates.
• Partnerships with employers, universities, and relocation agencies to create a steady demand pipeline.
• Quality standards to ensure these units meet safety, comfort, and maintenance requirements.

Cities can also work with developers to include mid-term units in new housing projects, particularly in mixed-use or transit-oriented developments.

The Community Impact of Mid-Term Rentals

When implemented thoughtfully, mid-term rentals can strengthen neighborhoods rather than disrupt them. Longer stays mean residents are more likely to participate in local life, shop at neighborhood businesses, and contribute to a sense of community.

Dr. Robertson notes that one of the biggest benefits is stability for people in transition. “Housing transitions can be stressful,” he says. “Mid-term rentals give people breathing room, allowing them to focus on work, family, or recovery rather than scrambling to find a place to live every few weeks.”

Case Studies and Lessons Learned

In cities that have embraced mid-term rentals, such as Austin and Portland, the model has proven adaptable to various housing markets. These cities have seen success in integrating mid-term rentals alongside other housing strategies, offering more diverse options to residents without displacing long-term housing stock.

Denver can learn from these examples by setting clear guidelines and fostering cooperation between landlords, city officials, and community groups.

Looking Ahead

As Denver continues to grapple with its housing challenges, mid-term rentals are likely to play an increasingly important role. They offer a flexible solution for people whose housing needs don’t fit neatly into traditional categories, while also contributing to the city’s overall housing resilience.

Dr. Connor Robertson envisions a future where mid-term rentals are a normalized part of urban housing strategies, not as a replacement for affordable housing, but as a complement to it. By embracing this model, Denver can provide stability for more residents while working toward longer-term solutions to its housing crisis.

For more on Dr. Robertson’s work and perspective, visit www.drconnorrobertson.com.