One thing I have learned about the vacation rental business: There are no "absolutes" when it comes to answering questions. Every question asked will have many variables in determining an answer.

As for monthly rates, here is a general formula you can use to determine monthly rental rates for your vacation home.

For monthly rates:

• If you are quoting for a peak season that would normally rent all 4 weeks, then give NO discount. Why should you cut yourself short when you know that your vacation rental property would otherwise be booked?
   
  
• If it's an off season month, where you would rent say 2-3 of the 4 weeks, then charge 2 full weeks rent.
   
  
• If it's a low season where you wouldn't normally rent anyways, then price it at approximately 2 week's rent.

For example:

Given that you rent your second home for $1000 a week during the peak season, $700 a week during off-peak season, and $500 a week during the low season, you can approximate the following: 

• 1 month during peak season $4000
   
  
• 1 month during off-peak $1500 to $1600
   
  
• 1 month during low season $1000 to $1100

A quick note: Check with your sales tax department, for some states do not require you to collect sales tax on 30 + day rentals.

© Christine Karpinski 2006

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