Short-Term Rentals vs Long-Term Rentals in Knightdale, NC

Short-Term Rentals vs Long-Term Rentals in Knightdale, NC

Choosing the right rental strategy for your property in Knightdale

You own (or are considering acquiring) a single-family home or townhouse in Knightdale. You wonder: would it earn more as a short-term rental (STR, e.g. Airbnb / Vrbo) or as a long-term (12+ month) lease? The difference isn’t just in numbers—but in operations, risk, regulation, and alignment with your goals.

In Knightdale, both models are possible—but the question is which fits your property, capital, risk tolerance, and lifestyle. This article walks through the revenue models, regulatory constraints, operational burdens, and market suitability—and shows how a local Realtor can help you decide.

Revenue & Expense Comparison

Before deciding, run the numbers. Here’s how the two models stack in general, then we’ll adapt to Knightdale.

Long-Term Rental Model (12+ Month Lease)

Pros:

• Predictable, stable income
  
  

• Lower turnover costs
  
  

• Less operational burden (fewer cleanings, less marketing)
  
  

• Lower vacancy risk (assuming tenant retention)
  
  

Challenges / Costs:

• Maintenance and repairs (capital expenses)
  
  

• Periods between tenants (vacancy)
  
  

• Tenant default / eviction costs
  
  

• Possibly lower per-unit income compared to peak STR rates
  
  

Knightdale Baseline Data

• The average rent in Knightdale for houses (single-family) hovers around $1,886 per month (houses for rent) per Zillow’s data. Zumper - Apartments for Rent & Houses
  
  

• Apartment/condo rent trends: average around $1,523 per month. RentCafe+1
  
  

• The median rent via Realtor listings is ~$1,600. Realtor
  
  

• The rental vacancy rate in Knightdale is about 3.2% (meaning low vacancy among long-term units) per Point2Homes. Point2Homes
  
  

Thus, a well-located, well-maintained property in Knightdale could reasonably command ~$1,800–$2,500 (depending on size, finishes, neighborhood).

Short-Term Rental Model (Nightly / Weekly)

Pros:

• Potentially higher gross revenue (especially during peak demand periods)
  
  

• Ability to adjust pricing dynamically (season, events)
  
  

• You can block off your own occupancy windows
  
  

Challenges / Costs:

• Higher operational cost (cleaning, turnover, guest management)
  
  

• Furnishing, utilities, supplies, wear & tear
  
  

• Marketing & occupancy risk fluctuations
  
  

• Possible regulatory restrictions, HOA rules, insurance premiums
  
  

Knightdale Considerations

• STR listings do exist in Knightdale: Airbnb shows over 30 vacation rental homes. Airbnb
  
  

• RentCafe lists ~203 short-term apartments in Knightdale (i.e. furnished or flexible leases) with price ranges from ~$1,318 to ~$1,810 depending on size. Apartments.com
  
  

• Because STRs often must include utilities, furnishings, and possibly premiums for location, the gross rates must cover those overheads.
  
  

Illustrative Comparison

Let’s compare a 3-bed/2-bath home:

Metric

Long-Term (12 mo)

Short-Term (STR)

Monthly base rent

$2,200

—

Annual gross (12 mo)

$2,200 × 12 = $26,400

Suppose average nightly $180 × 60 nights = $10,800; high season bonus maybe more

Vacancy / nights unbooked

~1–2 mos (vacancy)

Many off nights, lower occupancy in off-season

Turnover / cleaning

Minimal

High — cleaning and turn cost, restocking consumables

Utilities, furnishing, maintenance

Tenant pays utilities; minimal furnishing cost

You pay utilities, furnish fully, frequent maintenance

Net after expenses

Perhaps 80–90% of gross

May be 50–70% of gross depending on occupancy/expenses

Risk exposure

Lower

Higher — regulation changes, guest damage, inconsistent demand

In many cases, the STR model must reliably generate significantly higher revenue to justify the added cost and risk.

Regulatory, Zoning & HOA Constraints

One of the biggest obstacles in shifting a property to STR is regulation. Being in compliance is non-negotiable.

Knightdale / Wake County / UDO Zoning

• In the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) of Knightdale, “Lodging” is defined as premises available for short-term human habitation, including daily and weekly rental. This definition suggests that the UDO anticipates lodging uses and that some zones may or may not permit it. Town of Knightdale, NC
  
  

• However, the UDO also includes base district specific standards and restrictions; not all zones or residential districts will allow lodging (i.e. STR). Town of Knightdale, NC
  
  

• In Knightdale’s code under “residential rental dwellings,” there is a requirement for licensing and permitting of residential rentals (for violations or safety issues). This suggests that the town monitors rental properties more actively. American Legal Publishing
  
  

• In the Town of Knightdale’s “Residential: Premises available for long-term human habitation by means of ownership and rental, but excluding short-term leasing or rental” language appears in an amended rural transition zoning ordinance. This suggests that in certain zones, short-term allocations are explicitly excluded. Town of Knightdale, NC
  
  

Thus, even if the UDO mentions lodging, many zones likely do not permit STRs by right; you'd need zoning approval or special permit, or operate only within permitted zones.

HOA / Subdivision Rules

• Many subdivisions in Knightdale are subject to HOA covenants that may disallow short-term rentals or restrict them (e.g. minimum lease term, guest rules, parking restrictions, noise).
  
  

• Even if town zoning permits STR, HOA rules may prohibit it at the neighborhood level.
  
  

State & County Laws

• North Carolina does not require state-level registration or licensing for STRs, but local municipalities may. Steadily
  
  

• Wake County’s guide suggests that to legally operate an STR in the county, a zoning permit is required in Raleigh (for its jurisdiction). But that may not fully apply to Knightdale, which has its own jurisdiction. BNB Calc
  
  

• Upcoming or proposed changes: Senate Bill S.B. 291 (2025) aims to limit municipal overreach in regulating STRs, protecting private property rights. This could impact how aggressively towns regulate STRs. ncleg.gov
  
  

Given these overlapping constraints, the STR route in Knightdale must be cleared carefully—check UDO, HOA, and town licensing before proceeding.

Operational Complexity

If you choose STR, you incur a set of operational burdens that long-term landlords mostly avoid.

Guest Turnover & Cleaning

• Frequent cleaning, linen changes, supplies restocking
  
  

• Need for quick turnarounds (guest checks in / out)
  
  

• Deeper maintenance wear (furniture, appliances)
  
  

Marketing & Guest Acquisition

• Listing on Airbnb, Vrbo, booking platforms
  
  

• Pricing optimization, calendar management, discounting, seasonal shifts
  
  

• Guest communications, check-in systems, automated messaging
  
  

Screening, Security & Liability

• Guest screening (IDs, reviews)
  
  

• Security deposit, damage claims, insurance coverage
  
  

• Handling guest complaints, noise, neighbors
  
  

Utilities & Furnishings

• Must be fully furnished
  
  

• All utilities (water, electricity, internet) often included
  
  

• Supplies: kitchen basics, consumables, amenities
  
  

These tasks require time or contractor / management overhead (or hiring a property manager). If your capital is limited or you don’t want to handle operations, LTR is simpler.

Market Suitability in Knightdale

Not all areas or properties are ideal for STR; location matters.

Strong Candidates for STR in Knightdale

• Properties near Knightdale Station, or close to major transit / thoroughfares (e.g. U.S. 64, I-540 access)
  
  

• Homes with desirable amenities (pool, good layout, modern finishes)
  
  

• Properties in mixed-use or quasi-commercial proximity
  
  

• Well-furnished, attractive homes suitable for travelers, relocators, business guests
  
  

Better Suited for Long-Term Rental

• Less trafficked, quieter residential subdivisions
  
  

• Properties further from main roads or amenities, where nightly demand is low
  
  

• Homes in HOAs that restrict short-term leasing
  
  

• Units where operational burden or regulation risk outweighs demand
  
  

Given average rents: ~$1,523 for apartments, ~$1,886 for houses in Knightdale, you can baseline whether an STR can surpass those net of expenses. Progress Residential®+4RentCafe+4Zumper - Apartments for Rent & Houses+4

How a Realtor Helps Decide & Execute

A knowledgeable Knightdale Realtor is invaluable to investors considering either path.

1. Financial modeling
   Build pro formas: compare LTR cash flow vs STR net (after vacancy, turnover, furnishing, utilities).
   Use local rent comps and STR comparables in Knightdale.
   
   

2. Regulation & zoning vetting
   Check UDO, zoning, HOA, town permitting. Confirm whether your target zone allows lodging.
   
   

3. Property filtering
   Identify which properties in Knightdale are more suitable for STR (location, layout, proximity) vs which are safe for LTR.
   
   

4. Transition strategy
   If STR fails, help transition to LTR. Maintain flexibility in lease terms, furnishings.
   
   

5. Ongoing oversight
   Help monitor occupancy, regulatory changes, management options, guest quality.
   
   

6. Insurance & legal referral
   Connect investors to property insurance brokers, legal counsel familiar with STRs in Knightdale / Wake County.
   
   

Case Example / Comparative Scenario

Imagine a 3-bed, 2-bath home in Glenmere subdivision:

• Long-Term: Market rent in that area might be around $2,100 / mo (given house rents in Knightdale range in that ballpark). Apartments.com+5Zillow+5Progress Residential®+5
  
  

• Short-Term: Suppose nightly average $200, occupancy 60 nights / month → gross $12,000 / year (i.e. $1,000 / mo equivalent)
  
  

• But gross STR must cover cleaning, utilities (~$300–500/mo), management, furnishing cost amortization, vacancy nights, supplies
  
  

• Net might fall to $500–700 / mo (or more, if seasons are strong)
  
  

• Versus LTR net might be $1,800+ after expenses
  
  

In many cases, unless the STR can sustain high occupancy and premium rates, LTR will offer more stable and higher net returns in Knightdale.

Advice & Best Practices for Investors

• Start small / test first — try STR on one property to measure actual metrics before scaling
  
  

• Keep furnishings minimal and modular so you can switch to LTR if needed
  
  

• Build in buffer — vacancy, maintenance, regulatory risk
  
  

• Monitor local regulatory changes — town council, HOA rules, UDO amendments
  
  

• Diversify — some properties on STR, others on LTR
  
  

• Hire or outsource management if operations burden is too high
  
  

• Maintain strong guest reviews if STR — quality matters
  
  

• Track metrics constantly — occupancy, ADR (average daily rate), net margin
  
  

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer: short-term and long-term rental strategies both have merit—but in Knightdale, due to regulatory constraints, neighborhood zoning, and stable demand for long leases, long-term rental is generally safer and more predictable. STR can work in premium locations, but you must run the numbers, manage operations carefully, and ensure compliance.

If you’re considering a Knightdale property, I can help:

• Build custom LTR vs STR pro formas
  
  

• Check zoning, UDO, and HOA status
  
  

• Identify properties ideal for either model
  
  

• Help you pivot or manage strategy over time
  
  Ready to discuss your real estate needs? Contact Be Sunshine Realty Group Brokered by EXP today for a confidential consultation. Call (919) 583-6895 or visit www.livinginraleighnow.com to connect with Raleigh Triangle's most trusted real estate team.