Long-Term vs. Short-Term Rentals: What Works in Stanton?

The rental market in Stanton, California, like many other cities across the U.S., offers property owners and investors a pivotal choice: should you opt for long-term rentals or dive into the world of short-term rentals? Each strategy has its own set of advantages, challenges, and financial implications, and what works best depends heavily on your goals, the local market, and the specific dynamics of Stanton itself. As of March 13, 2025, the rental landscape continues to evolve, shaped by economic trends, regulatory changes, and shifting tenant preferences. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of long-term versus short-term rentals in Stanton, dive into recent trends, and help you determine which approach might be the right fit for your investment strategy.

Understanding Long-Term and Short-Term Rentals

Before we dive into the Stanton-specific details, let’s define our terms.

• Long-Term Rentals: These are properties leased for extended periods, typically six months or longer, with most agreements spanning a full year. Tenants sign a lease, pay a fixed monthly rent, and often take on responsibilities like utilities and minor upkeep. This model is common for residential apartments and single-family homes.
• Short-Term Rentals: These properties are rented out for shorter durations—anywhere from a single night to a few weeks, typically less than 30 days. Think vacation rentals, Airbnb listings, or temporary stays for travelers and business professionals. The property is usually furnished, and the owner covers utilities and maintenance between guests.

Both options can be profitable, but they cater to different audiences and require distinct management styles. So, how do these strategies play out in Stanton?

The Stanton Rental Market: A Snapshot

Stanton, a small city in Orange County, California, sits in a unique position. With a population of just over 38,000, it’s a tight-knit community surrounded by larger hubs like Anaheim, Garden Grove, and Cypress. Its proximity to major attractions—Disneyland is less than 10 miles away—and its location along key transportation routes like the 22 Freeway make it appealing for both residents and visitors. However, Stanton isn’t a tourist hotspot in the same way as nearby Anaheim or coastal cities like Huntington Beach. This influences the rental market dynamics significantly.

As of early 2025, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Stanton hovers around $2,131, according to rental data trends. This reflects a broader trend of rising rents in Southern California, driven by low inventory and high demand. Stanton’s renter-occupied households make up about 52% of the total, indicating a solid base of long-term tenants. Meanwhile, the rise of short-term rentals, fueled by platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, has introduced new opportunities—and challenges—for property owners.

Long-Term Rentals in Stanton: Stability and Simplicity

The Pros

1. Predictable Income: One of the biggest draws of long-term rentals is the steady cash flow. A 12-month lease means you can count on consistent rent payments, barring any tenant issues. In Stanton, where many residents are families or working professionals, this stability is a major plus.
2. Lower Turnover Costs: With tenants staying for a year or more, you’re not constantly cleaning, repairing, or marketing the property. This reduces operational expenses and management headaches. The average tenancy length in the U.S. is around 4.3 years, suggesting that Stanton tenants might stick around even longer than the lease term if conditions are favorable.
3. Less Day-to-Day Management: Long-term tenants typically handle their own utilities and minor maintenance, leaving you with fewer responsibilities. You might check in once a year for an inspection, but otherwise, the property largely runs itself.
4. Tax Benefits: Long-term rentals offer deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, and repairs. These can offset your taxable income, making this a financially appealing option for buy-and-hold investors.
5. Community Fit: Stanton’s residential vibe—think suburban neighborhoods and local schools—aligns well with long-term tenants seeking a stable home base rather than a temporary getaway.

The Cons

1. Limited Flexibility: Once a lease is signed, you’re locked in. If market rents rise, you can’t adjust rates until the lease renews. In a competitive market like Orange County, this could mean missing out on higher returns.
2. Risk of Problem Tenants: A bad tenant—someone who pays late, damages the property, or violates lease terms—can be a nightmare. Evictions in California are notoriously tenant-friendly and time-consuming, potentially costing you months of income.
3. Lower Income Potential: While stable, long-term rents in Stanton (e.g., $2,131 for a one-bedroom) don’t match the per-night earnings possible with short-term rentals, especially during peak travel seasons near Disneyland.

Short-Term Rentals in Stanton: Flexibility and Higher Returns

The Pros

1. Higher Revenue Potential: Short-term rentals can command premium rates, especially when marketed to tourists visiting nearby attractions. While Stanton itself isn’t a prime vacation destination, its proximity to Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm (both within 15-20 minutes) could attract spillover guests. Nationally, short-term rentals can generate 2-3 times the monthly income of long-term leases, depending on occupancy and pricing.
2. Flexibility: You control when the property is available. Want to use it yourself for a weekend? Block off the calendar. Need to adjust rates for a big event in Anaheim? You can do that in real-time. This adaptability is a huge advantage in a fluctuating market.
3. Frequent Maintenance: High turnover means you’re in the property often, catching issues like leaks or wear-and-tear early. This can preserve the property’s value over time and keep it in top condition for guests.
4. Tax Advantages: Short-term rentals also offer deductions—cleaning fees, furnishings, utilities, and platform commissions can all reduce your taxable income. In some cases, you might qualify for additional local tax breaks, though this varies by jurisdiction.

The Cons

1. Regulatory Hurdles: Stanton has specific rules for short-term rentals, outlined in City Ordinance 22-002. Properties must be registered with the Planning & Zoning Office, pay a business license fee, transient room tax, and comply with zoning restrictions (R-1 or R-2 districts only). No on-street parking is allowed, and adequate off-street parking must be paved or graveled. Violations can lead to fines or license revocation.
2. Higher Operating Costs: Furnishing a property, paying utilities, and hiring cleaners between guests add up. Short-term rentals in Stanton could see 30% higher operating expenses than long-term leases due to this rapid turnover.
3. Income Volatility: Occupancy rates for short-term rentals fluctuate with seasonality and demand. Nationally, the average occupancy rate is projected at 56.4% in 2025—lower than the near-95% for long-term rentals in stable markets. In Stanton, where tourism isn’t the primary draw, filling the calendar year-round could be challenging.
4. Management Intensity: Short-term rentals are a business, not a passive investment. You’ll need to handle bookings, guest communication, and check-ins—or pay a property manager to do it, cutting into profits.

Recent Trends in Stanton and Beyond

The rental market isn’t static, and recent shifts offer clues about what might work in Stanton:

• Rising Rents: Nationally, asking rents rose 3.5% year-over-year in January 2025, per Zillow. Stanton’s average of $2,131-$2,761 reflects this upward pressure, benefiting long-term landlords with stable tenants.
• Short-Term Rental Growth: The U.S. short-term rental market is expected to exceed $21 billion by 2028, driven by travelers preferring vacation homes over hotels. However, oversupply in some markets has led to dropping rates and occupancy, a trend to watch in Stanton’s less tourist-centric environment.
• Regulatory Tightening: Cities like San Diego have slashed short-term rental numbers with new ordinances, and Stanton’s own rules signal a cautious approach. Compliance is non-negotiable for short-term operators here.
• Tenant Preferences: Post-pandemic, remote work and “workcations” have boosted demand for short-term stays with strong Wi-Fi and workspaces. Meanwhile, long-term tenants are staying put longer due to high homeownership barriers, stabilizing that market.

What Works in Stanton?

So, which strategy wins in Stanton? It depends on your priorities:

• If You Want Stability: Long-term rentals are the safer bet. Stanton’s residential character, consistent renter base, and predictable income make this a low-risk option. A one-bedroom at $2,131/month yields $25,572 annually with minimal effort—ideal for hands-off investors.
• If You Chase Higher Returns: Short-term rentals could edge out, but it’s a gamble. Proximity to Disneyland might draw guests, but Stanton’s lack of direct tourist appeal limits occupancy. At, say, $100/night with 56% occupancy (national average), you’d earn $20,440 annually—less than long-term unless you push rates or occupancy higher. Factor in costs, and the gap narrows further.
• Location Matters: Properties near Stanton’s borders with Anaheim or along major roads might lean toward short-term success. Deeper in residential zones, long-term tenants are more natural fits.
• Regulations Tip the Scale: Stanton’s strict short-term rental rules—registration, taxes, parking—add friction. If you’re not ready to navigate this, long-term is simpler.

Making Your Decision

Here’s a quick checklist to guide you:

1. Goals: Are you after steady income or maximum profit? Long-term offers the former; short-term, the latter—if you can sustain it.
2. Time Commitment: Can you manage guest turnover, or do you prefer set-it-and-forget-it? Short-term demands more hands-on work.
3. Budget: Short-term requires upfront costs (furnishings, cleaning) and ongoing expenses. Long-term is leaner.
4. Market Research: Analyze Stanton’s demand. Are short-term listings booked solid nearby? Are long-term units in short supply?

Ultimately, Stanton’s rental market rewards preparation. Long-term rentals align with its suburban roots and offer a low-stress path to profit. Short-term rentals tempt with bigger paydays but require hustle, compliance, and a knack for marketing. Whichever you choose, stay informed—trends shift, and today’s winner might not be tomorrow’s.

What’s your take? Are you leaning toward long-term stability or short-term potential in Stanton? Let’s keep the conversation going!