Skip to Content

Tenant Choices: Evaluating Short-Term and Long-Term Rental Options

Property manager hands out keys to tenants after signing the lease
Renting a new home in Tampa is an intricate journey of important decisions. One of the focal choices is between a short-term or a long-term rental. With each renter’s circumstances exceptional and unique, there’s no general answer. It’s related to weighing the pros and cons of each lease type and opting for the one that best suits your needs, giving you the power to fashion your living situation.

Pros and Cons of a Short-Term Rental

A short-term rental mostly has a lease agreement of six months or less. One typical short-term rental is a month-to-month agreement, in which the contract renews monthly. Nonetheless, there is a great number of short-term rentals, even a lot with terms that continue weekly. A short-term lease is ideal for renters who need a lot of flexibility. They basically allow you to stay only a short while or move out quickly, should your situation change. There is equally a real chance that a short-term rental will include internet service and utilities, nevertheless, such amenities vary from place to place.

But be aware, there are a number of drawbacks to short-term leases. Because your lease renews that often, your landlord can raise the rent, change their policies or lease terms, and significantly more often. Short-term rentals likewise may become a little bit more expensive than long-term rentals, precisely in locations where short-term rentals are in high demand. If you live within a popular vacation area or college town, you might face more competition for short-term rentals than long-term rentals, which commonly drives the rates up.

Pros and Cons of a Long-Term Rental

You can swiftly avoid the downsides of a short-term rental by settling on a long-term one. And there are lots of benefits to doing so. The most common lease length for long-term rentals is one year, but, in certain areas, leases can be for multiple years at a time. As a renter, long-term rentals can offer more stability in your monthly rates and lease terms. Once you’ve signed a long-term lease, the terms of that lease often don’t change. In most circumstances, the landlord won’t be able to raise your rent or cause other changes to the agreement as long as it’s time to renew. Long-term rentals are likewise mostly more affordable than short-term rentals because it is more cost-effective for a landlord to lease their property for years at a time.

But take note, long-term leases can also have certain disadvantages. When you’ve signed a long-term lease, violating it can be tough and quite costly. The terms certainly varies, but normally, it is common for landlords to want an extra month’s rent plus forfeiture of their security deposit if you desire to end your lease early. That can make moving to a new rental home very tricky. It can similarly prevent you from lowering your housing costs, should you opt to do so. It’s also pivotal to bring to mind that numerous long-term rentals will not provide extra services or, in some cases, even appliances. In nearly all cases, you can anticipate to bear the cost of utilities, internet, and your needed furnishings.

Provided with an extensive idea of the pros and cons of both short-term and long-term rentals, it’s time to prudently consider your situation and the near future. If your plans entail staying in one place for a while, a long-term rental might be the most fitting. In contrast, short-term rentals are normally the best bet if you are undecided of your future location. Either way, distinguishing your options can make your choice easier and you, forewarned.

Real Property Management Ideal offers various rentals in Tampa and nearby. Determined by your needs, we may have the appropriate fit for you. Call us today at 945-218-6083 or explore our rental listings for more profitable information.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details