How to Turn Your Long-Term Rental Home into a 5-Star Airbnb

Are you having trouble finding tenants for your long-term rental home?

You’re not alone. Many property owners in Oklahoma City are facing longer vacancy periods than ever before. With home prices on the rise and the cost of living climbing fast, renters are downsizing, combining households, or delaying lease commitments altogether. More people are living with family, crashing with friends, or sharing multi-bedroom homes with roommates just to keep up. This leaves landlords wondering how to fill their empty properties—and fast.

But what if there was a better way to protect your investment and even increase your returns during these uncertain times?

Welcome to the world of Airbnb.

Why Airbnb May Be the Better Choice in 2025

Short-term rentals are booming in Oklahoma City. Thanks to the city's events, sports, festivals, growing medical and corporate presence, and proximity to attractions like Bricktown, OKC Thunder games, and the State Fairgrounds, the need for short-term stays is stronger than ever.

Here’s the truth: while your long-term rental sits vacant, your neighbor might be pulling in hundreds—or thousands—of dollars each month from weekend bookings.

Transitioning your property from a traditional lease model to a short-term rental through platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com can be one of the smartest financial moves you make as a property owner.

What is a 5-Star Airbnb, and Why Does it Matter?

When it comes to short-term rentals, reputation is everything. A 5-star Airbnb isn’t just clean—it’s curated, responsive, and designed for the guest experience. From cozy beds and local coffee to fast Wi-Fi and a lightning-speed response time, a top-tier Airbnb delivers consistent comfort and style.

And 5-star reviews = higher visibility, higher nightly rates, and better guests.

If you're new to hosting, don’t worry. Whether you’re converting a single-family rental, duplex, or condo, this guide will walk you through the steps to make your home Airbnb-ready—and a guest favorite.

Step 1 - Evaluate the Property’s Potential

Start by asking:

• Is the property in a desirable location (close to highways, hospitals, campuses, or downtown)?

• Is parking available and safe?

• What amenities does the home offer? (Backyard, washer/dryer, workspace?)

Pro tip: Proximity to key attractions like OU Medical Center, Tinker AFB, or the Paseo Arts District can make your home a top pick.

Step 2 - Think in Stays, Not Months

Most landlords are used to thinking in terms of monthly rent. But short-term rental pricing changes by the night, the weekend, even the hour.

If your home would rent for $1,500/month, it could earn $100–$150 per night as an Airbnb—with a much higher ceiling during holidays and events.

And here’s the kicker — you can block off calendar dates if you decide to do a hybrid rental model. Let’s say someone signs a 9-month lease or short-term insurance housing contract. You can block that duration in your Airbnb calendar and still open it up for bookings during vacancy gaps, guaranteeing income even when you don’t have a single consistent tenant.

Step 3: Upgrade Your Interiors for Guests

To go from rental-ready to guest-ready:

• Add cozy bedding, plenty of pillows, and blackout curtains

• Include smart locks for self-check-in

• Equip a full kitchen (basic cookware, utensils, coffee maker, etc.)

• Provide reliable Wi-Fi, smart TV, and some board games or books

• Keep a consistent aesthetic—neutral tones, warm lighting, local art

Photos sell the listing. High-quality images of a clean, well-staged home will dramatically increase bookings.

Step 4: Partner with a Local Co-Host or Property Manager

If you’re out-of-state or too busy to manage guests, turn to an experienced co-host like Upventures. We handle:

• 24/7 guest communication

• Booking management

• Turnovers and cleaning

• Restocking supplies

• Pricing strategy

• Review management

Our goal? To help you hit (and keep) that 5-star status without lifting a finger.

Step 5: Set Competitive Smart Pricing

The Airbnb algorithm loves dynamic pricing. Tools like Pricelabs, Wheelhouse, or Airbnb’s smart pricing can help your home stay competitive year-round.

With professional co-hosting, we go further by integrating local market data, competitor listings, and event calendars to optimize your nightly rates in real time.

Step 6: Get the Legal Stuff Right

Be sure to:

• Check OKC’s short-term rental ordinances

• Get any required permits

• Collect lodging taxes (some platforms collect for you)

• Update your homeowner’s insurance to include STR coverage

Step 7: Market Your Listing for Maximum Exposure

Aside from Airbnb, consider:

• Vrbo

• Booking.com

• Facebook travel groups

• Travel nurse housing websites

Let Upventures optimize your listing across multiple platforms and monitor your visibility so you stay fully booked.

Step 8: Monitor Reviews & Improve

Guests leave feedback about everything from mattress comfort to the shampoo scent. Reviews are gold.

Acting on feedback shows guests—and the algorithm—that you're committed to quality. We track review trends and help you implement changes that boost rankings and reputation.

Don’t Let Vacancies Hurt Your ROI

If your long-term rental has been sitting empty or you’re not thrilled with tenant turnover and late rent, Airbnb could be your solution. By converting your traditional rental into a 5-star guest experience, you can earn more per month, protect your property’s value, and reclaim your peace of mind.

Even better? You can blend both models! Rent your property when it's vacant, and block time when you land a good lease. It’s the best of both worlds.

At Upventures, we specialize in helping property owners in Oklahoma and out-of-state investors transform their homes into income-generating guest favorites. Whether you need full-service management, cleaning and turnovers, or just listing optimization, we’re here to make your hosting journey easy and profitable.

Ready to explore the Airbnb route? Let’s talk.