4 Things to Include in a Short-Term Rental Lease Agreement

If you’re a homeowner with rental property, it’s critical to have a documented rental agreement. When you and the renter ever have a legal disagreement, having a written agreement increases your odds of an advantageous outcome.

The tenancy agreement is a legally enforceable contract entered into between a landlord and a tenant. It describes the lawful terms and conditions agreed upon by the landlord and talent regarding the tenancy. It is a lawful requirement that specifies the contractual duties of both the tenant and the landlord, decreasing the possibility of future disputes.

However, you will have to include the following terms in your short-term rental lease agreement.

Names of All the Tenants and Occupancy Limits

Each grownup who resides in your rental units, including all members of an unmarried or married couple, must be listed as renters and sign the short-term lease agreement. Requiring all grownup occupants to be formal tenants provides landlords with extra insurance. Every tenant is legally liable for contributing the entire monthly rent and adhering to all other rental agreement requirements.

This implies that if one renter walks out and misses to pay the rent, you have the legal right to pursue the total amount from the remaining tenants. In addition, if one renter breaks the short-term lease agreement, you have the authority to cancel the tenancy of all renters, not just the perpetrator.

It also is a smart decision to include an occupancy provision that states that only the renters and their younger children are permitted to live in the property and that visitors may stay for no more than a certain number of days. Therefore, if a renter brings in an unpermitted housemate or sublets the apartment without your consent, you have the authority to end the tenancy and, if needed, evict all tenants.

Rental Property Description

Include your property’s full address (including unit and building number, if applicable). You should also take note of any special storage rooms or parking places that are provided. If the rentals include designated parking, for instance, make sure to mention the spot or stall number—similarly, state which locations the renters cannot access, like a sealed shed in the yard.

Tenancy Term

Tenancy dates must be specified so that both the landlord and the renter are on the same page. The starting day of tenancy is usually the first day of the month, and if it is not, the rent could be prorated to represent the reduced month. The short-term tenancy on a month-to-month basis gives both the landlord and the tenant more flexibility.

Rental Price

When, where, and how rent payments are paid is one of the most significant aspects of the rental agreement. Make it a point to spell out exactly how much rent you’re asking for and when it’s payable. Rent being due at the start of the month makes the most sense in almost all circumstances.

The following step is to highlight the various payment options available to the tenant. Be as precise as possible. Tell the tenants which address they should mail their rent to and what payment options are accepted (for instance, if by personal check or online now). You may also provide a drop-off location or ask for an in-person drop-off.

You should also state whether you are prepared to provide your renters a grace period for delayed payments. It is critical to include any late penalties you want to impose if the rent is not received on time or when a check bounces.

Being a landlord entails knowing what to put in a rental agreement. What is covered may differ from one renter to the next. Nevertheless, it is crucial to highlight that all terms mentioned in the rental contract must be fair and lawful.