One Year Lease Vrs. Month to Month Massachusetts

[Jim Sestito]

Calling all Massachusetts Landlords;

I would like to start a discussion on whether you are using a month to month lease for your rentals, a one year, or other.  

- Why did you choose the option you did?

- Pros and cons either way?

- Any stories to share relating to the topic would be great as well.

Thanks all,

Jim 

[Michele Fischer]

I am also not in MA, but also use month to month agreements.  I wanted to use one or the other, not toggle between the two.  If tenants are hesitant we have added a clause that rent will not be raised for the first year.  We verbally tell them that we will only ask them to leave if they aren't paying or following the rental agreement, that we value long tenancies.  We also have a clause that the deposit is prorated for the first nine months to avoid those who are truly short term.  We like the simplicity and flexibility of M2M.