Want steady cash flow without constant turnovers or heavy regulation? In Bailey, a well-run medium-term rental can be a simple, durable strategy. You still offer a furnished place and great guest experience, but you focus on 30+ day stays that attract remote workers and families in transition. In this guide, you’ll learn how MTRs fit Bailey’s market, what the 30-day rule means, how to underwrite and operate with less friction, and the key risks to plan for. Let’s dive in.
Why medium-term rentals fit Bailey
Bailey sits along US 285 with quick access to outdoor gems and local events that draw extended-stay visitors. The community’s mountain setting and proximity to Denver make it appealing for month-to-month living, not just weekend trips. You can reach Denver in roughly 50 to 60 minutes depending on conditions, which widens your guest pool to remote workers and relocators who want a mountain base with city access (Travelmath distance Bailey to Denver). Bailey’s outdoor amenities and events add to the pull for longer visits (Bailey overview and events).
Industry trends help, too. Long stays have become a bigger share of bookings on major platforms, and leaders continue to emphasize extended stays as a growth focus (Airbnb long-stay focus). This aligns with the demand you can reach in 80421.
The 30-day rule and licensing
Colorado generally treats rentals under 30 consecutive days as taxable lodging. Stays of 30 or more consecutive days can be exempt when properly documented, according to the state’s guidance (Colorado sales tax guide: rooms and accommodations). Park County’s licensing program targets short-term rentals under 30 days with specific application, inspection, and safety requirements (Park County STR program).
What this means for you: if you structure stays at 30+ consecutive days and use a written rental agreement, you commonly avoid the county’s STR license and short-term lodging tax rules. Still, confirm details with Park County Development Services and the Colorado Department of Revenue before you list. If you go under 30 days, plan to license and collect lodging-related taxes per county and state rules.
Who books MTRs in Bailey
Expect interest from several groups:
- Remote or hybrid workers seeking a mountain base with reliable internet.
- Families between homes or relocating to the Denver region.
- Contractors and utility crews on multi-week projects.
- Guides, instructors, and participants tied to outdoor seasons and local events.
Summer and fall often bring stronger demand. Winter can work with the right access and heating. Shoulder seasons may dip unless you target remote workers and project crews.
Underwrite and price with confidence
Median sale prices in ZIP 80421 have recently ranged from the mid 500s to low 600s depending on the data source and timing. For purchase decisions, lean on current MLS comps and recent local sales, since public snapshots can vary (80421 market snapshot example).
For revenue, price to a monthly target that sits between conventional long-term rent and a full-time STR converted to monthly income. Many hosts see 30 to 40 day booking windows for MTRs, which is longer than nightly STRs but shorter than year-long leases. Expect seasonality and budget for vacancies, especially in shoulder months (Mid-term rental economics and seasonality).
Quick pricing process:
- Gather comps from long-term rentals and convert local STR nightly rates to an effective monthly number.
- Set a 30+ day minimum and include utilities to simplify.
- Adjust for season and access (snow, road grade, driveway) and include a realistic vacancy assumption.
Set up for low-friction operations
To attract month-to-month guests, invest in the basics that drive occupancy and great reviews:
- Reliable, fast internet with documented speeds. Availability in 80421 is address-specific, so verify providers or satellite options before you buy or list (Bailey internet overview).
- A dedicated workspace and comfortable furnishings suited to multi-month living. Include well-stocked kitchen supplies, laundry, and storage.
- Clear parking and snow plans. Bailey winters require attention to driveway access, heat, and safety.
- Simple, inclusive utilities and a clear pet policy. Many MTR guests travel with pets.
- A written lease for 30+ day stays that follows Colorado landlord-tenant law, including security deposit timelines and habitability standards.
For channels, use platforms and filters built for longer stays. Furnished Finder and Airbnb’s monthly options are common choices, and industry guides highlight the importance of marketing “furnished, workspace, reliable internet” to attract longer bookings (MTR listing and standards).
Compliance checklist to start fast
- Review HOA covenants and any deed restrictions for minimum stay rules before you buy or list.
- Email Park County STR staff at [email protected] to confirm whether your plan triggers any permits, and use the STR checklist as a safety best-practice even for 30+ day stays (Park County STR program).
- Follow the state’s 30-day guidance and keep a written rental agreement for each 30+ day tenancy (Colorado sales tax guide).
- Align insurance with paid lodging use, and document safety features like smoke and CO detectors.
- Verify septic capacity, well details, and parking to support your target occupancy.
Watch the risks and seasonality
- Rules can change. Park County has an active STR program and voters have supported lodging taxes in the past. Confirm your obligations before launch and monitor updates (Park County STR program).
- Demand is seasonal. Model conservative occupancy and plan shoulder-season marketing to remote workers and project crews (MTR seasonality guidance).
- Rural operations matter. Snow removal, steep driveways, and septic systems affect guest experience and costs. Use written agreements to set expectations around parking, trash, and property care.
Your next step
A Bailey MTR can be a practical, low-friction path to cash flow if you pair the 30+ day structure with smart positioning, strong internet, and a clear lease. You get fewer turnovers, simpler operations, and demand from remote workers and relocators who want more than a weekend. If you want help pressure-testing a property and building your plan, reach out to Good Neighbor Realty. We underwrite deals, map the regulatory path, and support your setup long after closing.
Ready to explore the right property and strategy for you? Connect with the team at Good Neighbor Realty.
FAQs
What is a medium-term rental in Colorado?
- It generally means a furnished stay longer than 28 to 30 days and shorter than a 12-month lease, often structured as 30 to 180 days with a written agreement.
Do 30+ day stays in Park County need an STR license?
- Stays of 30 or more consecutive days commonly fall outside Park County’s STR licensing, which targets stays under 30 days, but you should confirm details with the county before listing (Park County STR program).
How are taxes handled for 30+ day rentals in Colorado?
- Colorado guidance says rooms or accommodations rented for less than 30 consecutive days are taxable; 30+ day stays can be exempt when properly documented, so verify your filing process with the state (Colorado sales tax guide).
What demand should I expect for MTRs in Bailey?
- Stronger demand often appears in summer and fall, with winter and shoulder seasons varying by access and conditions; remote workers and project crews help smooth occupancy (MTR seasonality guidance).
What internet setup works best for remote workers in Bailey?
- Verify high-speed options at the exact address and document speeds in your listing; availability varies by street and provider, and satellite options may fill gaps (Bailey internet overview).