Free Short Rental Lease Agreement

A short-term rental lease agreement is a legal contract between a property owner and a tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of renting a property for a short period. This type of agreement is often used for vacation rentals, short-term business rentals, or rentals for students or seasonal workers.

If you are a landlord looking to rent out a property for a short period, it is important to have a written agreement in place to protect both parties. A well-drafted lease agreement can ensure that both the landlord and tenant understand their responsibilities, prevent misunderstandings, and provide a clear framework for resolving any disputes that may arise.

While you may be tempted to search online for a free short rental lease agreement template, it is important to exercise caution. Not every template you find online is reliable, and some may not be legally enforceable in your state or territory. Moreover, if you simply copy and paste a template without making any modifications, you may inadvertently overlook important details or clauses that are specific to your property or situation.

To create a legally sound and comprehensive short-term rental lease agreement, it is advisable to consult with an attorney. However, if you are on a tight budget or simply want to draft a basic agreement yourself, there are some key elements you should include:

1. Parties: Clearly identify the parties involved in the agreement, including the landlord (also known as the lessor) and tenant (also known as the lessee). Include the full names and addresses of both parties.

2. Property: Describe the property being rented, including the address and any specific features or amenities.

3. Term: Specify the duration of the lease, including the start and end dates. It is important to note that short-term rental agreements typically last for less than one year.

4. Rent: State the amount of rent due, the due date, and payment method. You may also want to include any late fees or penalties for overdue payments.

5. Security deposit: Outline the amount of the security deposit required, the conditions under which it will be refunded, and any deductions that may be made from it.

6. Maintenance and repairs: Explain the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant when it comes to maintaining and repairing the property.

7. Prohibited activities: Specify any activities that are not allowed on the property, such as smoking or owning pets.

8. Termination: Detail the circumstances under which either party may terminate the lease agreement, such as a breach by one party or the completion of the lease term.

9. Governing law: Make sure to specify the governing law for the lease agreement, which is usually the state or territory in which the property is located.

Once you have drafted a basic agreement, it is important to have it reviewed by an attorney or other legal professional to ensure its legality and enforceability. With a well-drafted short-term rental lease agreement in place, you can protect your property and rental income while providing a clear, professional framework for your short-term tenants.