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How to Find a Short Term Lease
If you only need temporary housing, you might not want to be saddled with a lengthy lease. You could end up making monthly payments you don't need to make. And you can pay hefty fees to get out of those leases.
Knowing how to find a short-term lease can make your life easier. Read on to learn how to do it!
What Is a Short-Term Lease?
First, know what differentiates a short-term lease from another kind. Typically, short-term leases are defined as leases that are under the one-year mark. You may be able to increase your lease on a month-to-month basis if you need more time.
Sometimes, you'll have utilities built into your rental agreement. This is because the short duration of the lease can make changing responsibilities from one resident to the next cumbersome. Additionally, some shorter leases come with furnished apartments where you can just focus on living there - and maybe a little decorating. This type of lease structure is ideal when you're a traveling employee working on smaller projects in a new geographic area. It's also great if you're waiting on moving into a new home or temporarily somewhere for an internship.
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Know Your Non-Negotiable Needs
Before looking at your options for a short-term rental, know your priorities. In other words, do you need to find a place that allows pets? Or do you need to be within walking distance of an internship location because you won't have a car?
Make a list of the qualities you absolutely need in a living space. For short-term rentals, you may want to prioritize location, particularly if you're new to an area. Or perhaps you need a furnished space since your furniture is in storage. Then, make a list of items where you can be more flexible. A second bedroom might be handy for a temporary home office, for instance, but it might not be essential. Likewise, access to a gym or pool could be relaxing, but it's not critical.
Many property managers prefer longer lease terms to avoid extended vacancies. With that in mind, it's good to prepare for some compromises when you're looking for leases of less than a year.
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Look Online
Next, focus your efforts on starting a robust apartment home search. The fastest way to get started is by searching for apartments online in your geographic area. You also can look at aggregate sites that compile lots of listings in your target area.
Look for apartment options with clear and professional websites. This generally is a good indicator that the apartment's property manager will be easier to work with and more responsive. Websites should have pictures, contact information, and details about what is available. Check to see if the website shows floor plans and rates for different lease terms. When apartment complexes are transparent, it's easier to see if an option fits your budget or not.
Use Your Network
When it comes to rental tips, a big one is to use your existing network of friends. You'll get the most direct perspective on whether an apartment is a good option or not. Your friends can reach out to their networks, too, to give you the most potential for insights.
Ask your friends for suggestions as you make a list of questions to ask potential property managers. Especially if you're not from the area, there may be some unique issues or practices to be aware of. For instance, you should plan on asking what lease renewal looks like if you need an extra month. You may also want to ask about parking spaces and apartment amenities. Know what penalties you'd face for breaking a lease early, too.
When in doubt, read reviews, too. Use a search engine to gain access to the least biased perspectives on rental experiences at given places. Avoid places with lots of negative reviews, and use red flags to help inform what questions you ask any places you visit.
Reach Out to Property Managers
When you find a few apartments that look promising, visit them, if possible. You'll be able to gauge their cleanliness, size, and features.
Many reputable apartments and rental homes will have a property management company at the helm. This can help ensure a more professional experience for residents. You may be able to pay rent online and get faster attention for maintenance needs.
You want to see evidence that the property manager is a good communicator and eager to meet with you. Steer clear of property managers who seem unprepared or aren't speedy to respond to questions or phone calls. They should be able to give you the lease price, deposit cost, as well as any other fees for what you are looking for.
Lastly, property managers should be able to give you concrete information about what is required to start the lease process. If you're working with a tight timeline, you'll need to have pay stubs or other validating information ready. You'll also want to see what a contract looks like to know what you're agreeing to if you sign one.
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Learn How to Find a Short Term Lease
Still wondering how to find a short-term lease? Start by knowing your priorities in a rental home, and then look to your network for help. Make a point of looking at options online as well as visiting them in person so you can ask questions. At Ashton Pines Apartments, we provide comfortable living spaces and top-notch service to our residents in beautiful Waterford, Michigan. Scenic views and a fitness center are just a few of the amenities you can enjoy. Contact us today to learn more about our short-term lease options!