The ongoing housing crisis across the U.S. is contributing to a shift where many would-be homeowners are turning to renting, and in Utah, the effects are being felt across the state, from Salt Lake City to St. George. With rising interest rates, home prices that often outpace wage growth, and limited inventory, more families and individuals are considering rentals as a potential long-term solution. At the same time, homeowners and investors are exploring ways to turn their properties into income-producing assets by renting them out to both long-term tenants and short-term guests.

In high-demand areas like Park City, Moab, and parts of Salt Lake County, short-term rentals have seen significant growth, supported by a strong tourism economy. Ski resorts, national parks, and events like the Sundance Film Festival draw visitors from around the world, contributing to the need for vacation-style accommodations. But beyond the tourist zones, the long-term rental market is also performing well, especially in growing cities like Lehi, Ogden, and Herriman, where tech jobs and young families are driving expansion.

From Homeowner to Host: A Shift in Mindset

In the past, many Utah homeowners purchased real estate primarily as a place to live and settle. Now, more are exploring the idea of their properties as flexible investments. Whether it’s a basement apartment in Provo, a townhome in Draper, or a second home near Zion National Park, real estate is being increasingly viewed through the lens of income potential.

This shift has been partly influenced by the housing shortage. With fewer homes available to buy and higher barriers to entry, the rental market has expanded significantly. Utah’s population has grown by nearly half a million people in the last decade, and housing supply has struggled to match this demand. This trend creates potential benefits for property owners: by offering housing, they can generate income while also helping meet a growing need.

Cleanliness Isn’t Just Courtesy—It’s Critical

Whether renting short-term on Airbnb or long-term to families, one thing is widely regarded as essential: cleanliness. In fact, a clean, well-maintained property is often one of the most important factors in tenant satisfaction and long-term success. Poor upkeep is frequently cited as one of the reasons renters leave or leave negative reviews, which may impact a property owner’s reputation and earning potential.

For short-term rentals in particular, the cleanliness standard is exceptionally high. Guests typically expect hotel-level cleaning, fresh linens, sanitized surfaces, and attention to detail—from the baseboards to the fridge shelves. In tourist-heavy cities like Park City or Heber, where competition is fierce, properties that consistently earn five-star cleanliness ratings often command higher nightly rates and attract repeat guests.

Many property owners turn to professionals for their Airbnb cleaning in Salt Lake City to help maintain these standards. Services like Clean Casa, which operates across Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Park City, specialize in short-term rental turnovers, aiming to ensure that every guest walks into a fresh, welcoming space. For long-term rentals, regular maintenance cleaning, and seasonal deep cleans can help preserve the property and protect the owner’s investment.

Property Management as a Business Model

With the rental market experiencing growth, property management has become a notable service-based business model in the state. Managing even a handful of properties requires coordination—cleaning, maintenance, guest communication, and compliance with local regulations—and many homeowners may find they don’t have the time or expertise to handle it themselves.

That’s where property managers come in. Whether it’s overseeing a vacation rental in Midway or handling lease renewals for an apartment in Millcreek, property management companies offer a streamlined solution for busy owners. In Utah, where both urban growth and tourism continue to rise, this model has shown potential as a scalable and sustainable option. Some managers specialize in short-term stays, while others focus on longer-term tenancies, but many share the same goal: keeping properties well-maintained, compliant, and profitable.

For entrepreneurs, the property management space can offer low overhead, recurring revenue, and room to grow. With the right systems—such as cleaning teams, booking automation, and maintenance partners—some are building successful businesses managing five, ten, or even fifty properties at a time.

A Path Forward in a Changing Market

As housing challenges persist and the rental landscape evolves, Utahns are adapting creatively. Homeowners are exploring roles as landlords. Spare rooms are being converted into short-term stays. And service-based businesses like cleaning and property management are expanding to meet new demand.

Ultimately, the housing crisis, while challenging, has also created new opportunities. By maintaining high standards, staying organized, and building systems that scale, property owners and service providers alike are playing a role in addressing one of the state’s biggest challenges, while also potentially building wealth and stability in the process.

Published by Jeremy S.