Miami is one of the top US cities for short-term furnished rentals, catering to corporate relocations, seasonal residents, international visitors, and anyone in transition. Understanding how the short-term rental market works — and which neighborhoods offer the best inventory — will help you secure the right unit efficiently.
What Is a Short-Term Rental in Miami?
In the Miami rental market, "short-term" typically refers to leases of 1–6 months. The most common short-term lease structures are:
- Month-to-month — Maximum flexibility, highest monthly cost
- 3-month lease — Minimum term offered by many buildings; typically furnished
- 6-month lease — Most common short-term option; balances flexibility with cost
Anything under 30 days is regulated differently (vacation rental rules), so true residential short-term leases generally start at 1 month minimum.
Pricing: Short-Term vs. Annual Leases
Short-term rentals command a premium because landlords take on higher vacancy risk. Expect to pay:
- 10–20% more per month than an annual lease for a 6-month term
- 20–30% more per month for a 3-month term
- 30–50% more per month for month-to-month
For example, a 1-bedroom in Brickell renting annually at $3,200/month might lease at $3,700–$4,200/month for a 3–6 month furnished term.
Best Neighborhoods for Short-Term Rentals
Brickell — Highest inventory of corporate furnished rentals; most buildings offer short-term options. Ideal for executives and business travelers.
Downtown Miami — Strong furnished and short-term inventory across price points. Best for transit-oriented renters.
Miami Beach — Excellent seasonal inventory, especially for 3–6 month winter stays. Popular with seasonal residents from the Northeast and Canada.
Edgewater & Midtown — Growing inventory with modern construction; slightly lower pricing than Brickell.
HOA Buildings and Short-Term Leases
Many Miami condominiums have HOA rules that govern minimum lease terms. Common restrictions:
- 30-day minimum — Minimum lease any unit can be rented (prevents vacation rental use)
- 90-day minimum — Some buildings set this floor to maintain residential character
- 180-day minimum — Some luxury buildings restrict rentals to semi-annual or annual leases only
- Rental cap — Buildings may limit the percentage of units that can be rented at any time
Always confirm the building's minimum lease policy before applying.
What's Typically Included in a Short-Term Furnished Rental
Most Miami short-term rentals include:
- Furniture and appliances — Bed, sofa, dining table, full kitchen with appliances
- Utilities — Water and sometimes electric (caps may apply)
- High-speed internet
- Building amenities — Pool, gym, concierge access included in rent
What's generally NOT included: cable TV, parking (usually separate), and renter's insurance.
How to Find Short-Term Rentals in Miami
The most effective channels include:
- Direct through property management companies — Largest inventory; most responsive
- Miami Rent Hub — Curated short-term inventory across Miami neighborhoods
- Real estate agents specializing in rentals — Can access unlisted inventory
- Corporate housing companies — Ideal for employer-arranged relocations
FAQ
Q: What is the minimum lease term in Miami? A: Many buildings offer 3-month minimums. Some allow month-to-month after the initial term. 6-month leases are the most common short-term option.
Q: Are short-term rentals more expensive? A: Yes, typically 15–30% higher per month than equivalent annual leases due to the shorter commitment and furnished nature.
Q: Which neighborhoods have the most short-term inventory? A: Brickell, Downtown Miami, and Miami Beach have the highest concentration.
Q: Can HOA buildings offer short-term rentals? A: Some associations permit short-term leases (90+ days minimum). Check specific building rules.