Medium‑Term Rentals in Studio City: Strategies That Work

Thinking about offering your Studio City property for 30 to 180 days at a time, but unsure where to start? You are not alone. Owners across the Valley are finding that medium‑term, furnished stays can deliver steady occupancy without the intensity of nightly turnover. In this guide, you will learn how to set up the right furnishings, price confidently, choose lease terms that fit project and relocation timelines, and stay compliant in the City of Los Angeles. Let’s dive in.

Medium‑term defined in Studio City

Medium‑term rentals are typically 30 to 180 days. In the City of Los Angeles, stays of 30 days or longer are usually treated differently than short‑term or transient rentals under local rules. That distinction can affect whether you owe transient occupancy tax and whether short‑term registration requirements apply.

California landlord‑tenant law applies to medium‑term arrangements. Be sure you understand security deposit limits, required disclosures and habitability rules. Properties in the City of Los Angeles may also be subject to the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance or the statewide rent cap and just‑cause protections under AB 1482, depending on the property type and age.

Always confirm whether your specific home or condo is exempt or covered, review any HOA or building restrictions on lease length, and make sure your insurance covers furnished medium‑term rentals. Requiring tenant renters insurance is a smart standard.

Who books 30 to 180 days in Studio City

Studio City sits next to major production and post‑production hubs. Project teams for TV, film and commercials often need furnished housing for several weeks to a few months. That includes cast, crew, editors and visiting creatives who value quiet, reliable spaces.

You will also see steady demand from corporate relocations and temporary assignments. Professionals in tech, consulting and healthcare often want a furnished base while they onboard or search for a permanent place. Production cycles create seasonal peaks, so plan for demand bumps around pilot season and key production windows.

Because this niche sits between long‑term leases and nightly rentals, distribution matters. Corporate housing brokers, production housing services and platforms for traveling professionals often outperform general‑purpose sites for longer booking lengths.

Furnish for professionals, not tourists

Your goal is simple. Create a comfortable, durable space that supports work, sleep and easy living without high maintenance.

Essentials checklist

• Reliable, comfortable bed and quality mattress, at least a queen in most bedrooms.
• High‑speed internet and a dedicated workspace with a good chair, task lighting and power strips. Fast upload speed matters for creative and production work.
• In‑unit washer and dryer, or dependable access on site. Project workers value in‑unit most.
• Fully equipped kitchen with durable cookware, coffee maker, electric kettle and basic staples like oil and salt.
• Blackout curtains or blinds and tight window seals for better rest.
• Sound mitigation with rugs or soft finishes where possible, plus optional white‑noise.
• Storage and plenty of hangers for luggage and gear.
• Smart lock or keyless entry with clear security protocols.
• TV with casting options and streaming access.
• Extra linens and towels, basic toiletries and a small first‑aid kit.
• A simple information binder with Wi‑Fi details, appliance instructions, local transport tips, parking rules and emergency contacts.

Design and durability

Choose mid‑range, sturdy furniture with stain‑resistant fabrics and solid frames. Keep decor neutral and uncluttered to appeal to a broad professional audience. Maintain a short list of local vendors and keep a small stock of replacements like mattress protectors, throw pillows and spare cables to avoid downtime.

Cost and payback

Budget for an initial setup that aligns with your target monthly rate. Durable, serviceable pieces reduce repairs and guest complaints. Start with the essentials and add upgrades like a secondary workspace or blackout curtains after you gather guest feedback and confirm occupancy patterns.

Pricing that balances yield and ease

You want to capture a higher per‑night return than a standard 12‑month lease while offering a discount versus nightly stays. The right structure rewards longer commitments and simplifies billing.

Build a monthly rate

• Start with a target nightly rate based on local comps.
• Multiply by 30 to create a baseline monthly figure.
• Apply a discount for guaranteed monthly occupancy. Many operators use a range from roughly 10 to 35 percent, with smaller discounts near 30 days and larger discounts for multi‑month stays.
• Add a transparent cleaning or administrative fee to cover turnover and setup.

Utilities and fees

Decide whether to bundle utilities. The simplest guest experience is all‑inclusive rent, often with a cap on electricity or gas and a clear overage policy. You can also charge a flat utility fee or pass through usage for longer stays. For bookings over a month, consider optional housekeeping as a paid add‑on or include periodic linen refreshes at set intervals.

Discounts and seasonality

Create stepped discounts for 2 to 6 months, then slightly larger incentives for 6 months or more. Review seasonality around pilot season, production calendars and holidays, and adjust rates accordingly. A weekly check of comparable medium‑term offerings keeps you competitive.

Channels and positioning

Advertise as furnished, 30-plus days preferred, and highlight professional amenities like high‑speed internet and dedicated workspaces. Build relationships with corporate relocation brokers and production housing coordinators. Local real estate agent networks can also be a strong referral source for relocating clients.

Lease lengths and clauses that work

Your lease should match project and relocation timelines while preserving flexibility for both sides.

Common models

• Minimum 30‑day lease that continues month‑to‑month after the initial term. This offers flexibility if plans change.
• Fixed 60 to 90‑day lease with early termination and extension options. This fits many production schedules and short assignments.
• Multi‑month discounted lease, such as 3 to 6 months, for relocation clients who want stability while they search for a permanent home.
• Corporate master lease or booking agreement for repeat bookings with production companies. Negotiate payment timing, liability and cancellation windows up front.

Key clauses to include

• Minimum stay and clear renewal mechanics, such as month‑to‑month after the initial term with 30 days’ notice to end.
• Early termination rules with required notice and a defined fee or refund logic if the unit re‑rents.
• Utilities and services that specify what is included, any thresholds and billing cadence.
• Housekeeping schedule and any optional services, including fees and frequency.
• Occupancy limits, subletting prohibitions and a clear pet policy.
• Maintenance response times, emergency procedures and approved vendors.
• Renters insurance requirement for tenants.
• Inventory list at move‑in, final inspection process and deposit handling that follows California timelines.

Operations that protect your time

Thoughtful processes lower stress and preserve five‑star experiences for professionals who just need a place that works.

Turnover and housekeeping

For stays of 30 to 90 days, you will have fewer turnovers than nightly rentals. Offer optional weekly or biweekly housekeeping for convenience. Use professional laundry services for linens and maintain an inventory list so replacements are quick and consistent.

Communication and check‑in

Automate welcome messages with arrival instructions, Wi‑Fi details, appliance manuals, parking rules and local transport tips. Use smart locks with unique codes for each guest. Provide a local contact or property manager who can handle same‑day issues.

Screening and documentation

Screen consistently and document your process to comply with fair housing laws. Ask for an employer letter, project call sheet or contract, a government ID and references. For corporate bookings, a purchase order or corporate billing can streamline approvals.

Maintenance and vendor network

Line up trusted cleaners, plumbers, electricians and a reliable handyman who understand furnished rentals. Time‑sensitive repairs are common near studios, so fast responses protect reviews and occupancy. Keep spare essentials on hand to avoid delays.

Payment cadence and protections

For bookings under 90 days, collect the first month’s rent plus the deposit at booking. For longer commitments, require monthly payments in advance. Use clear cancellation and refund terms and consider a nonrefundable administrative fee to deter last‑minute cancellations.

Compliance and risk checklist

Use this quick checklist to stay aligned with Los Angeles and California rules:

• Confirm whether your unit is subject to the Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance or covered by AB 1482. Set rent increase mechanics and notice periods accordingly.
• Verify municipal short‑term rental rules and whether a 30‑plus day stay avoids transient occupancy tax and short‑term registration for your property type and zoning.
• Review HOA CC&Rs or condo bylaws for minimum lease terms or rental caps. Secure approvals if required.
• Confirm your landlord policy covers furnished medium‑term rentals. Add endorsements if needed and require tenant renters insurance.
• Follow California security deposit limits and return procedures, including the 21‑day itemized return timeline.
• Provide required disclosures, such as lead‑based paint for pre‑1978 buildings, and follow local health and safety mandates.
• Track rental income and expenses for tax reporting, and confirm how local taxes apply to stays under 30 days versus 30 days or more.
• Document screening criteria and apply them consistently.

Getting started in Studio City

Begin by confirming your property’s status under local rent rules, HOA restrictions and insurance coverage. Assemble comparable furnished rates for 30 to 180‑day stays in Studio City and nearby neighborhoods to guide pricing. Invest in work‑ready furnishings and high‑speed internet, then build your vendor roster and a simple turnover playbook.

Next, set a clear monthly rate with transparent utility terms and create stepped discounts for longer commitments. Distribute your listing where relocation and production professionals look first, and connect with at least one production housing contact and one corporate relocation broker to test demand channels. If you want a thoughtful, low‑stress rollout, our team can help you price, prep and lease with confidence.

Ready to explore a medium‑term strategy for your Studio City property? Reach out to The Carrabba Group to discuss pricing, preparation and leasing options that fit your goals.

FAQs

What is a medium‑term rental in Studio City?

• A medium‑term rental typically means a furnished stay of 30 to 180 days. In Los Angeles, 30‑plus day bookings are usually treated differently than short‑term or transient stays for regulatory and tax purposes.

How do Los Angeles rules affect 30‑plus day leases?

• Stays of 30 days or more commonly fall outside short‑term rental registration and transient occupancy tax, but landlord‑tenant laws apply. Confirm any rent control coverage, business licensing and HOA minimum lease rules for your specific unit.

What furnishings do professionals expect in Studio City?

• High‑speed internet, a dedicated workspace, a quality bed, in‑unit laundry if possible and a fully stocked kitchen. Blackout curtains and sound mitigation also help guests on variable schedules.

How should I price a 30 to 180‑day rental?

• Start with a nightly rate benchmark, multiply by 30 and apply a discount for guaranteed occupancy. Offer stepped discounts for multi‑month stays and set clear utility and cleaning terms.

Which lease length fits production or relocation timelines?

• Common options include a 30‑day minimum that rolls month‑to‑month, a fixed 60 to 90‑day term with extension options or a discounted 3 to 6‑month lease for relocation clients.

What screening is appropriate for medium‑term guests?

• Apply consistent, fair criteria such as ID, employer or project verification, references and a credit check where appropriate. For corporate bookings, a purchase order or corporate billing can streamline approval.

Do I need special insurance for furnished medium‑term rentals?

• Many landlord policies need endorsements for furnished or medium‑term use. Confirm coverage with your insurer and require tenant renters insurance for added protection.