A normal apartment lease often requires a one-year commitment, whereas a short-term apartment lease allows for a tenant to commit for a shorter time. A short-term apartment lease is a rental agreement that’s for six months or less.
1. Short-term apartment lease periods may vary
Short-term leases usually last for six months or less and can vary depending on your needs as a tenant and what the landlord is willing to put in place. A common short-term lease is month-to-month, but other options include week-to-week or another time period that you negotiate with the landlord (six months, three months, etc.).
2. You can terminate a short-term lease with little notice
Most property managers and landlords understand that tenants with a short-term lease want flexibility. In a short-term agreement, it will be specified how much notice you must give before moving out, and it’s usually reasonably flexible. It’s common for a 30-day notice requirement, especially if your contract is month-to-month.
3. Terms can change in a short-term apartment lease
If your lease is short-term and ongoing, such as month-to-month or week-to-week, it leaves room for your landlord to change lease terms with short notice. That means from one month to the next, your rent price could increase or other terms could change.
Weigh the pros and cons
With short-term apartment leases, there are pros and cons one must consider. If your moving temporarily or don’t know how long you’ll be living somewhere, a short-term lease provides flexibility. That being said, your rental terms could change and your price each month could increase. Not all apartments offer short-term leases, but some property managers may be willing to work with you, so don’t be afraid to ask about it!