When leasing a property, individuals have two options to choose from, either to rent long term or rent short term. Both choices have its advantages and disadvantages depending on the set-up and preferences of the tenant.
The short term lease is a common choice for renters that want or need more flexibility than a traditional lease allows. People who work in jobs that have the possibility of relocation tend to prefer the short-term leasing option. This can include corporate trainers and store managers to name a few.
There are also advantages that the short-term lease affords the landlord. When a landlord enters into a short-term lease he is in a position to be able to change the lease terms more frequently as well as evict an undesirable tenant should the need arise.
On the downside, a short-term lease is not very common because more landlords prefer long-term leases. But perhaps the primary reason why landlords choose long-term leases over short-term ones may be due to the cost involved. Short-term leases prove to be more costly for the landlord because of the advertising expenses and the effort involved when the property is vacated. To compensate then for the cost of advertising the property, a lot of landlords often result to requesting for a higher security deposit.
A long-term lease agreement is one where the parties are bound to each other as landlord and tenant for a longer period. Compared to a short-term lease, a long-term lease offers each party more stability. Since the landlord is prohibited from increasing the rental until after the end of the agreement, it becomes more economical for the tenant to enter into this type of agreement.
Long-term leasing translates to lower turnover rate, fewer vacancies, less advertising efforts and less damage on the property. Because of these advantages, most landlords require a minimum security deposit compared to a short-term leasing.
Most couples or individuals that are in stable jobs and possibility trying to save up for a home of their own prefer long-term lease agreements. The stability and lower monthly rents that come from long-term leases provides the renter a chance to get on a fixed budget and possibly save up for a down payment more easily.
But whether you opt for a long-term or a short-term lease, make sure you completely understand the terms of the contract to prevent misunderstanding. Keep a copy of the contract for reference.
The writer has been contributing articles about leases for the last three years. Additionally, the individual loves publishing articles on New York City neighborhoods, including SoHo apartments and TriBeCa real estate.