Should You Turn Your Property Into a Short-Term Rental During the Government Shutdown?

Melissa Chichester
Oct 12
2 min read

Updated: Oct 19

The ongoing government shutdown has left many Americans in a holding pattern — whether it’s due to delayed contracts, paused federal projects, or reduced travel spending. And for property owners, especially those near military bases or federal hubs, this economic uncertainty raises an important question:

Is now the right time to turn my property into a short-term rental?

Let’s break down why the answer could be yes — if you approach it the right way.

What the Shutdown Means for Property Owners

When government activity slows or halts, its effects ripple into the housing market. You may be seeing:

Tenants struggling to pay rent
Long-term rental demand softening
Vacant properties sitting without generating income
Hesitation around new leases or real estate decisions

In this environment, many owners are looking for flexible ways to earn income without locking themselves into long-term commitments.

Why Short-Term Rentals (STRs) Make Sense in Uncertain Times

1. More Control Over Your Property

Unlike traditional rentals, STRs allow you to:

Rent your property only when you choose
Adjust pricing based on demand
Block dates if your situation changes. This flexibility is especially valuable when the market feels unpredictable.

2. Cash Flow When You Need It

With short-term rentals, you don’t have to wait for monthly rent. You get paid after each guest’s stay — often within days. That can help soften the financial hit if other income sources have slowed.

3. There’s Still Demand — Just Different

Even during a government shutdown, people still travel for:

Work (especially contractors or essential roles)
Family visits and relocations
Temporary housing needs (e.g. home repairs, in-between moves)

A clean, well-run short-term rental can still attract bookings — especially if it’s positioned as a comfortable, affordable alternative to hotels.

But It's Not for Everyone

Before jumping in, consider:

Are you legally allowed to host STRs in your area?
Can you afford to furnish and prepare the space properly?
Do you have time (or a manager) to handle guest communication, cleaning, and maintenance?

Short-term rentals can be profitable — but only when managed well.

The Bottom Line

A government shutdown doesn’t have to shut down your property’s potential.

If your long-term rental is sitting empty, or if you’re not sure where the market is heading, short-term rental can offer a smart, flexible income option.

With the right setup and support, your property could start generating revenue — not someday, but this month.

Need Help Getting Started?

Whether you're testing the waters or ready to dive in, we offer: STR Readiness Consultations Listing Setup & Optimization Full-Service Guest Management Turnover Coordination & Maintenance

Don’t let your property sit idle. Let it work for you — no matter what Washington is doing.— Tranquil Suites Helping Homeowners Turn Uncertainty into Opportunity