Short Term (3 month) Lease

[Danielle Le]

I have a home available for rent. I received an inquiry from someone looking for a short term (3 month) lease with the opportunity to extend the term. They say they are waiting to see if their company is moving to another state in October. 

-What is typical for terms on a 3 month rental? Meaning, what monies are due at signing? I planned on First, Last and Security with a 12 or 18 month term.

-Are there any key differences in a 3 month versus longer term lease?

Thanks

[John Meirose]

Hello Danielle,

I recommend checking state tax laws first before accepting a short term lease.  In the state of Florida, any lease under 6 months and 1 day will have to pay the tourism tax in addition to the standard income taxes.  Other than that the terms should be the same as a long term lease. However, in my opinion I would charge a higher rate for a short term lease, depending on when the lease will end.  We are currently coming into the peak rental time and a 3 month lease will have it ending when everything starts to slow down, which could cost you down time or lower rent to get it occupied.  Just my opinion...Good Luck