As the short-term rental market becomes more saturated and regulations tighten in major cities, real estate investors and property owners are rethinking their strategies. For many, platforms like Vrbo—once a reliable income stream—have become less appealing. In their place, alternatives like PadSplit are gaining traction, offering a new model that emphasizes affordability, stability, and higher occupancy.
Here’s why a growing number of hosts are making the shift from Vrbo to PadSplit—and why you might want to consider it too.
1. Consistent income without the hustle
Short-term rentals through Vrbo rely heavily on nightly bookings, which can fluctuate wildly due to seasonality, guest reviews, local events, and even economic trends. This makes income unpredictable and often forces hosts to constantly adjust prices, promote listings, and manage vacancies.
PadSplit flips the script by offering mid-term shared housing solutions. Members typically stay for an average of 8.7 months, and many are working professionals. As a result, hosts benefit from stable, recurring weekly income with significantly less turnover.
2. Less work, more passivity
Running a Vrbo listing often means being on call 24/7. Cleaning schedules, guest check-ins, customer service, and property upkeep become a full-time job, even with a property manager. The labor-to-profit ratio can be steep—especially for hosts with multiple listings.
With PadSplit, you’re running a coliving model that’s set up for efficiency. Members undergo background screenings, where available, and agree to community rules that minimize disturbances. Plus, PadSplit offers support services and tech tools to streamline communication and reduce the operational burden on hosts.
3. Higher occupancy = higher cash flow
Vrbo occupancy can plummet during off-seasons or in oversaturated markets. Even in peak times, there’s no guarantee your unit will stay booked every night. But every day your property sits empty, you’re losing money.
In contrast, PadSplit’s average occupancy rate is within 80-90%, with many rooms filling in under two weeks. Because rooms are rented by the week and typically to individuals in need of affordable housing, demand is consistently strong—especially during economic downturns. More occupancy = more cash flow.
Vrbo vs. PadSplit Comparison
| Platform | Monthly Revenue | Expenses | Net Income | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vrbo | $2,400 | $1,000 | $1,400 | 65% |
| PadSplit | $2,800 | $500 | $2,300 | 80–90% |
4. Fewer legal headaches
As cities crack down on short-term rentals, hosts face increasing regulation, license requirements, and community pushback. Some municipalities have banned or heavily restricted platforms like Vrbo altogether.
PadSplit operates under a long-term housing model, often bypassing the restrictive zoning and licensing laws that plague short-term rentals. By focusing on affordable housing, hosts not only reduce legal risk—they also contribute to solving a critical social issue.
5. A mission-driven investment
Real estate investing is often viewed through the lens of profit—but more and more investors want their money to make a difference. PadSplit lets hosts tap into the growing need for affordable workforce housing while still generating strong returns.
Providing safe, stable housing to essential workers, teachers, and others in your community can be deeply rewarding—financially and personally. It’s not just about the bottom line anymore. It’s about impact.
Where PadSplit is thriving
PadSplit has established a strong presence in numerous U.S. cities, particularly those experiencing high demand for affordable workforce housing. Some of the key markets where PadSplit is actively operating include:
- Atlanta, GA
- Houston, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Jacksonville, FL
- Charlotte, NC
- Raleigh-Durham, NC
- Las Vegas, NV
- Los Angeles, CA
- Orlando, FL
- San Antonio, TX
- Tampa, FL
- Phoenix, AZ
- Richmond, VA
- New Orleans, LA
- Miami, FL
- Philadelphia, PA
- Washington, DC
These cities have been identified as areas with significant housing supply and affordability gaps, making them ideal for PadSplit’s co-living model. PadSplit
For instance, in Charlotte, NC, PadSplit achieved a 100% occupancy rate, underscoring the strong demand for affordable shared housing in the area. PadSplit
As PadSplit continues to expand, it focuses on markets where the need for affordable housing solutions is most acute, providing opportunities for real estate investors to participate in addressing this critical issue while achieving stable returns.
“But what about property damage?”
This is one of the first questions we hear from former short-term rental hosts—and it’s a fair one. When you’ve opened your doors to dozens of guests from Vrbo, you’ve likely seen your share of wear and tear, or worse.
PadSplit takes a different approach.
Every member undergoes a criminal background check, identity verification, and screening process before joining. Once accepted, they agree to strict community guidelines designed to protect the property and foster a respectful living environment. Repeat offenders are removed from the platform.
In fact, PadSplit hosts report fewer property incidents compared to short-term rentals, where guests are often anonymous and accountability is limited. With longer stays and shared accountability, members treat the space more like home—because it is their home.
“Isn’t coliving just another fancy word for roommates?”
Not at all.
The traditional idea of roommates often brings to mind chaotic chore wheels, clashing personalities, and a lack of boundaries. PadSplit takes a more structured, professional, and community-oriented approach.
Every member undergoes background checks and agrees to a clearly defined set of house rules that cover quiet hours, cleanliness, guest policies, and more. Members are working adults—often essential workers—who value affordability, privacy, and stability.
So no, this isn’t college all over again. It’s affordable housing reimagined—for people who need it and for hosts who want consistent income without the chaos.
How PadSplit lets you help the community (in ways Vrbo never could)
Vrbo guests come and go. They’re often tourists, business travelers, or short-term vacationers. While hosting can be financially rewarding, it rarely moves the needle for the broader community.
PadSplit is different. It’s built for people who live and work in your city—nurses, teachers, delivery drivers, security guards, and others who keep your local economy running but are priced out of traditional housing.
By becoming a PadSplit host, you’re not just maximizing your property’s potential—you’re unlocking housing for people who need it most. You’re helping someone stay closer to their job, avoid a long commute, or even get back on their feet after a life disruption.
Many PadSplit hosts say the most rewarding part isn’t just the passive income—it’s the purpose.
“We feel so blessed to have the opportunity to invest in a property that helps others with affordable housing. For somebody to share that they’re appreciative of a safe and nice environment shows how appreciative he is to have a roof over his head,” says Regan, a PadSplit host.
In a world where affordable housing is scarce and inequality is rising, PadSplit gives investors a way to make real estate a force for good. That’s not something Vrbo—or any short-term rental platform—can offer.
Is it time to make the shift?
If you’re tired of the rollercoaster of short-term rentals and looking for a smarter, more sustainable way to generate income from your properties, it might be time to explore PadSplit.
More cash flow. Less work. Real impact.
It’s easy to see why Vrbo hosts are making the leap.
Ready to ditch the stress and boost your ROI? Learn more about becoming a PadSplit host today—or schedule a free consultation to see if your property qualifies.
