Month To Month Apartment Rentals – Complete Guide

Sometimes you may plan to relocate to a new area of town or city for work only to later learn that you’ll need to remain in the area a little longer than expected. With the uncertainty, it’s probably not a good idea to sign a long term lease. That’s where month-to-month apartment options become ideal.

Month to month rentals are popular in large cities or towns with a big corporate presence. This is because these communities are aware of the housing need created by these employers. If you are interested in a month to month lease but do not know all the facts, keep reading to gain an in-depth understanding of the process.

1- What is a Month to Month Lease
2- How does it Work
3- Advantages
4- Disadvantages
5- Find an Apartment with a Month to Month Lease
6- Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Month to Month Lease?

A month to month lease refers to a lease that is signed for one month and is subject to renewal the following month until either the landlord or tenant terminates it. When a tenant isn’t sure how long they will live in a unit, it’s the most practical solution.

How Does a Month to Month Lease Work?

As stated, these leases are renewed monthly as long as both parties agree. This arrangement gives the tenant a cushion to leave the property the following month without any consequences. On the other hand, it allows the landlord to renegotiate and increase the rent at every renewal.

It is never a good idea to decide on something without weighing its pros and cons. The only way to determine what suits you better is to get to know them both. Let’s consider what’s appealing and not so great about month to month leases.

Advantages of Month to Month Apartments

• Flexibility: The tenant has the luxury of having a flexible lease arrangement without the long-term commitments normal lease arrangements require.

• Adjustable: If the tenant decides to stay in the area for a longer term, adjusting the lease to accommodate the change is easy.

Disadvantages of Month to Month Apartments

• It Is Expensive: Going month to month means a higher monthly rent expense. This is typically to account for the risk landlords shoulder if the tenant decides not to renew the following month.

• Instability: As the lease is subject to renewal every month, the landlord may set a new rent amount every month. That means there’s no guarantee of what the rent will be from one month to the next.

• A Lease Can Terminate: With month to month lease apartments, landlords have the full authority to terminate the lease. You may be required to vacate within 30 days by your landlord, which can be stressful, unsettling, and difficult.

How to Find an Apartment with a Month to Month Lease?

When searching for a month to month lease, you may need to get created. It can be difficult to find a month to month lease due to their high desirability. If this is the case, you can consult with a real estate agent to help you.

Here are some more tips for finding an apartment with a month-to-month lease:

• Remember that month to month leases are rare, so it’s likely to take longer to find one. If you know you’re going to need this type of arrangement, start the search as soon as possible.
• Most landlords are willing to negotiate, so even if you haven’t found a complex that explicitly offers month to month leases, talk to the landlord about the possibility.  Let him or her know why you need a monthly lease and what you are willing to pay for it.
• If you can compensate for the risk with higher rent, your potential landlord may agree to the arrangement.
• If you must move before you’ve found a month-to-month apartment, consider subletting a place until you find one.
• Get possible leads from your social network and social media.

A Month to Month Lease Is Worth It

A month-to-month lease is a short term agreement (usually for a period of 30 days).  The tenant can make arrangements with the landlord to renew this agreement every month. It’s an expensive option but may be the most viable if you don’t plan to stay in the area for long.

Month To Month Apartment Rentals FAQ

Who Should Rent a Month to Month Apartment?

Month to month rentals are ideal for tenants who must move from one location to another as part of their job. Furthermore, month to month leases are useful for those who prefer flexible agreements.

Can I Change the Terms of my Month to Month Lease?

It is subject to your agreement with the landlord. If both parties agree, you can convert your month to month lease to a standard lease. Additionally, you can counter-offer terms that are written in the proposed lease.

Can I Lease Apartments for a Month?

A short term lease allows you to rent an apartment for at least a month and may exceed as long as six months. So, yes, you can lease apartments for a month with a short term lease offer.

Can I Lease an Apartment for 3 Months?

As discussed above, you can opt for 3-month lease apartments with short-term rental agreements. These types of rentals are hard to find as they are very popular.

How Long does a Short Term Lease Last?

A short-term lease generally lasts for six months, whereas a long-term lease is one that is longer than six months.

Should I Sign a Month to Month Lease Agreement?

The answer to this question is subjective and varies person to person. Month to month leases have some advantages over fixed term leases, but what is best for you depends on your circumstances and needs.

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