Free Short-Term Lease Agreement

A Short-Term Lease Agreement is an arrangement that lets a tenant use a property for a short period. Instead of a full lease term, you may want to let a tenant stay in your property for only a few months or less.

This document gives you the power to define the lease term and clarify expectations for your tenant.

What is a Short-Term Lease Agreement?

A short-term lease agreement usually refers to a lease that lasts less than six months. They are generally month-to-month rental agreements that may or may not renew at the end of every month.

In addition to traditional renting, they are helpful for rental agreements, short-term stays, and even vacation rentals. 

Some agreements may even renew weekly if the short-term lease agreement permits it. Ultimately, your options are flexible in finding a situation that helps you and your tenant agree.

Why Do You Need a Short-Term Lease Agreement?

Too many landlords deal with short-term leases verbally and never put them in writing. Failure to write the details will likely make a contract unenforceable should a dispute arise later.

A written agreement protects your rights as the landlord. Create a free short-term lease agreement to help prevent messy evictions and enforce those rights.

When Do You Use a Short-Term Lease Agreement?

You should use a short-term lease agreement when renting a property to a tenant for six months or less. Most leases are for a year, but sometimes you or the tenant want flexibility and a shorter lease term.

A short-term lease agreement allows you to create the landlord-tenant relationship you want.

Local Laws and Requirements

Your state and city set laws and regulations on landlord/tenant relationships. Even if it’s a short-term stay or a vacation rental, you need to understand these laws and how they apply to a short-term lease agreement.

Some states permit more flexibility when the landlord and tenant agree, while others limit how to create or alter a tenancy. Protect yourself by knowing your local laws and requirements.

What to Include in a Short-Term Lease Agreement?

A short-term lease agreement should include information such as the following:

• The names and identifying information of the landlord and tenant
• The address is subject to the short-term lease agreement
• The length of the lease term (weekly, monthly, six months, etc.)
• How the lease term renews, or whether the landlord and tenant may not renew it
• The amount of rent and when it is due
• Any additional lease terms (i.e., pets, number of people in the home, etc.)
• Signatures of the parties