How to find short-term lease apartments?

The biggest pro is that you don’t have to commit to the long term

It’s not easy finding the perfect sweet spot in the local apartment pool. When you’re not looking for a flashy new building, but instead something that can fill your short-term lease needs, you need to know where to look. The availability of short-term lease options depends largely on where you’re looking.

A short-term lease option is perfect for several reasons, one of which is its flexibility. Generally speaking, short-term lease agreements are for week-long increments. This allows you to stay in an apartment for an extended period without paying month-to-month charges or committing to a long-term lease agreement.

If you’re searching for an apartment available on a short-term lease you have several options. You can contact property management companies to find out if they have any apartments which are currently vacant. You can then set up an appointment to view the available apartments or stay on their waiting list.

So what’s the difference between a short-term lease and a long-term one? And why would you even choose a short-term lease apartment over a typical lease?

What is a short-term lease?

A short-term lease is a space, room or apartment that offers a lease that’s shorter than one year. Short-term leases are for renters who do not want to commit to the long term. The general lease lengths for these kinds of leases are 3–6 months or 30 days apartments. Even though long-term lease apartments do offer more stability, many renters just want flexibility before anything else. 

Short-term leases and vacation leases are also called vacation homes and vacation real estate by other companies. But we like to think of short-term leases as short-term because people rent them for months or weeks — not years at a time. We want to help you locate the best short-term lease options for your lifestyle so here are plenty of great rooms for rent in NYC, like the ones from SharedEasy.

Advantages of short-term leases

Sometimes, it’s not possible to find long-term housing for either financial or personal reasons. Renting short-term can help bridge the gap between moves or address the immediate need for an extra place to live without committing to one location. By knowing which short-term lease options exist out there, you can get closer to finding the perfect home for you. For these reasons, short-term housing is the best option for many people.

Here are some short-term leases advantages:

Flexibility: Short-term leases often come in one-, two- or six-month lease terms, which are shorter than the average lease term.

Exploring new areas: If you’re new to the city, a short-term lease is a great way to get familiar with the area before signing a long-term lease for a new apartment.

Furnished apartments: Short-term lease apartments come furnished, which means renters don’t have to purchase their own furniture.

Amenities: Short-term leases often come with more amenities than long-term leases.

Utilities: Many short-term leases include utilities in the rent.

Internet and cable: Many short-term leases include internet and cable in the rent.

Public parking: Some short-term leases offer tenants direct access to public parking.

Are short-term rental apartments suitable for me?

Short-term rental properties allow you to rent a place that feels like home without signing a long-term lease. You can live temporarily in an upscale condo in the heart of the city with all the amenities that you would find in your own home. Plus, most owners of these Airbnb properties will provide something extra to make your stay comfortable, like cooking utensils, linens, cleaning supplies, or high-end appliances.

Additionally, most operators of short-term rentals are available to answer any questions you have — either through email, phone, or an on-site host who can personally check in on you during your stay. Depending on the listing, the price of renting a short-term property can be half of what is charged per month for long-term rent.

If you constantly travel for work and find yourself near your destination city, then you should also consider a short-term rental. Short-term rentals are perfect if you want to avoid the hassle of booking a hotel or researching properties and amenities. Plus, short-term rentals often feature amenities like high-speed Internet and full kitchens.

Finding a short-term rental

Short-term rental applications typically ask some basic questions, such as your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. They also ask about your prior landlord and rental history, as well as whether you’re currently employed.

The landlord may ask to see your current rental agreement, which serves as a sort of credit check. The landlord may conduct a background check, and approve or deny the application based on the information provided.

Often, landlords will screen their tenants based on the length of their lease or the length of the stay, so if you’re staying less than 30 days, you may have trouble getting approved.

Here are some of the most common questions you may be asked when applying for a short-term rental:

How and when do I pay for my short-term rental?

Your landlord may ask for your monthly payment and deposit upfront or may require you to pay your rent in advance or on arrival.

Some landlords may ask for your first month’s rent, security deposit, and last month’s rent upfront, while others may accept 30-day or 60-day payments.

The deposit may be refundable or non-refundable, depending on your lease and the landlord’s policy.

When can I move in?

Your landlord may ask you to move in on a specific date or may allow you to move in anytime after you’ve received your lease.

You may also have to sign a “hold harmless” clause, which protects you from liability if your property is damaged during your stay.

How to handle my security deposit?

If you’re having trouble finding a short-term rental, you may also be asked to pay upfront for your security deposit. In general, your deposit is nonrefundable, although landlords may refund your deposit if you agree to move out of your unit after a certain number of days.

The vacation rental industry is still relatively new, but it’s growing quickly. Short- and long-term rentals are gaining popularity, and that means that landlords and property managers are becoming more comfortable with the process.