Short-Term vs. Long-Term Rentals in Sudbury: Which is More Profitable?

How to make your cottage profitable year-round

If you’re a property owner in Sudbury, one of the biggest questions you face is whether to rent your property on a short-term basis through platforms like Airbnb or opt for a long-term lease with tenants. Both strategies have their advantages, but the right choice depends on your financial goals, property location, and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to management.

Let’s break down the key differences to help you decide which option is more profitable in Sudbury’s unique rental market.

1. Income Potential

  • Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb & VRBO):
    Sudbury is home to popular attractions like Science North, Dynamic Earth, Bell Park, and hundreds of lakes. It also attracts business travelers working in the mining and health care sectors. With high nightly rates (often $120–$250 per night for an entire unit & even higher depending upon amenities), short-term rentals can generate more income than traditional leases—especially during peak tourist and business travel seasons.

  • Long-Term Rentals:
    With students from Laurentian University and long-term residents seeking housing, Sudbury has steady rental demand. Monthly rents for a 2-bedroom unit average between $1,400–$1,700, which offers stability but usually less income compared to fully booked short-term rentals.

✅ Verdict: Short-term rentals have higher earning potential, but only if managed well and kept consistently booked.

2. Flexibility

  • Short-Term Rentals:
    You can block off your calendar to use the property for yourself, family, or friends. This flexibility is perfect for cottage or lakefront properties around Sudbury.

  • Long-Term Rentals:
    Once a lease is signed, the property is committed to tenants for a year or more. This provides predictability but little flexibility.

Verdict: Short-term wins for flexibility.

3. Maintenance & Wear and Tear

  • Short-Term Rentals:
    Guests stay for shorter periods, so wear and tear is spread out. Frequent cleanings keep the property in good condition. However, you must furnish and maintain the property at a higher standard to keep great reviews.

  • Long-Term Rentals:
    Fewer turnovers mean less frequent cleaning, but tenants may cause more wear over time, and landlords often discover issues only after a lease ends.

Verdict: Short-term rentals allow for better property upkeep, but they require more ongoing effort.

4. Management & Time Commitment

  • Short-Term Rentals:
    Running a successful Airbnb in Sudbury requires guest communication, cleaning, marketing, and dynamic pricing. Many property owners hire a professional Airbnb management company like Stayfinity to handle the day-to-day operations.

  • Long-Term Rentals:
    Less time-consuming. Once a tenant is placed, management mainly involves collecting rent and handling occasional maintenance issues.

✅ Verdict: Long-term rentals require less time, but management services can make short-term rentals hassle-free and far more profitable.

5. Legal & Regulatory Considerations

Sudbury, like many cities, may implement rules regarding short-term rentals. It’s important to stay updated on zoning, taxes, and licensing. 

Long-term rentals, on the other hand, follow Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act, which provides protections for tenants and responsibilities for landlords.

✅ Verdict: Both have regulations, but Airbnb-style hosting requires staying extra informed.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose in Sudbury?

  • If you want higher income, flexibility, and control over your property, short-term rentals are the winner—especially with Sudbury’s growing tourism and steady business travel.

  • If you prefer stability and minimal involvement, long-term rentals might be the better option.

For many property owners, the best choice is partnering with a professional Airbnb property management company in Sudbury. This way, you get the high earnings of short-term rentals without the daily headaches of managing guests, cleanings, and listings.

👉 Thinking about maximizing your Sudbury property income? Stayfinity specializes in short-term rental management—handling everything from guest communication to cleaning and pricing—so you can enjoy passive income stress-free.

📞 Contact us today for a free consultation and see how hands-off hosting can work for you.

Let Stayfinity Handle It All

Effortless Airbnb Hosting, Exceptional Guest Experiences

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