For many landlords, traditional long-term lettings provide stability - but what if your situation requires more flexibility? Whether you are waiting to sell, managing a second home, facing an off-season void period, or even looking to make some extra money from your current residence, short-lets can offer an excellent alternative to maximise rental income.
If you have found yourself in one of those situations, contact us today to discuss what Rocket Stays can do for you. Or, for more information, keep reading…
Why Short-Lets?
Short-term rentals offer landlords an opportunity to:
- Generate higher income per night compared to long-term lets but only for up to 90 days.
- Minimise void periods during slower rental seasons.
- Maintain flexibility for landlords who may want to sell or occasionally use the property themselves.
- Adapt to changing market conditions without locking into long-term contracts at lower rental rates.
At Rocket, we identified the demand for a fully managed short-let solution when some of our landlords expressed concerns about committing to long-term tenancies.
Whether it was uncertainty about selling, needing occasional access to the property, or simply wanting to explore higher-yield rental opportunities in the short term, we developed Rocket Stays to make short-term letting seamless and stress-free.
Success Story: How Rocket Stays Saved a Landlord from a Costly Void Period
Recently, we had a property that was fully refurbished and ready for a long-term tenant. However, due to delays in purchase and refurbishment, it was not available for rental until late November - a notoriously difficult time to secure a good long-term let.
Rather than dropping the rent or leaving the property empty, we pivoted to Rocket Stays.
- Let the property on a short-term basis from December 27 to January 8.
- Generated £2,000 in rental income in just two weeks.
- Secured a long-term tenant at £3,600 per month by February 4.
This strategy bridged the gap between the property's availability and securing a quality long-term tenant, covering some costs and avoiding unnecessary losses for the landlord.
How Rocket Stays Works
We offer landlords a fully managed short-let service, taking care of everything:
1. End-to-End Setup and Management
- Professional listing on short-let platforms to attract the right guests.
- Pricing strategy to maximise rental income based on demand and season.
- Guest management, including check-in and support.
2. Handling All Logistics
- Utilities and Wi-Fi setup, making sure the property is move-in ready.
- Furnishing and essentials, from linen and towels to cutlery and kitchenware.
- Regular property checks to maintain quality.
3. Void Period Management
If a property is unoccupied, we offer vacant property management services, including:
- Collecting post
- Regular property visits
- Security checks and maintenance
When is Rocket Stays the Right Option?
Short-lets work particularly well for landlords in the following situations:
- Between Tenancies – If your property is vacant, short-lets can bridge the gap and provide income while you search for a long-term tenant or if you are waiting for major works to get under way
- Waiting to Sell – Instead of leaving the property empty, landlords can generate income while marketing their property for sale.
- Seasonal Demand – Certain events create high-value short-let opportunities, such as Wimbledon rentals, where properties can earn £50,000 to £60,000 in just three weeks.
- Pied-à-Terre Owners – If you use your property occasionally but want it to generate income when unoccupied, Rocket Stays is the perfect solution.
Regulations and Considerations for Short-Lets in London
While short-lets can be an excellent strategy, landlords need to be aware of certain restrictions:
- The 90-day rule – In London, properties cannot be let on a short-term basis for more than 90 days per year without planning permission.
- Freeholder and Lease Restrictions – Some buildings and leasehold properties do not permit short-lets, so it is essential to check the property’s management terms before proceeding.
At Rocket, we conduct all necessary compliance checks to make sure your property meets the requirements before listing it for short-term rental.
Why Choose Rocket Stays?
Unlike traditional short-let agencies, Rocket Stays provides a tailored service designed for landlords who want to maximise their income while maintaining flexibility.
- Hassle-Free Management – We handle everything from marketing to maintenance.
- Higher Earnings Potential – We optimise pricing to secure the best possible returns.
- Seamless Transition to Long-Term Letting – If needed, we can quickly pivot back to securing a full-time tenant.
If you are interested in exploring short-term lets but do not know where to start, Rocket Stays makes it easy.
Thinking about short-letting your property? Let’s talk. Contact us today to see how Rocket Stays can work for you.
