A short-term lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant for a rental period of fewer than 30 days. This type of temporary lease is commonly used for vacation rentals, business trips, or transitional housing. It outlines the terms, rental amount, occupancy limits, and other important conditions to protect both parties during the stay.

U.S. Housing Statistics (Updated)

Population (2023): 334,914,895
Median Households (2022): 125,736,353
Median Household Income: $75,149
Owner-Occupied Households: 64.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

How to Write a Short-Term Rental Agreement

Step 1 – Landlord & Tenant Info

List both parties’ full legal names, along with the lease start and end dates.

Step 2 – Occupancy Limits

Limit the number of guests to prevent parties or unauthorized gatherings. (Airbnb banned parties in 2022)

Step 3 – Rental Payment Terms

Clearly state the rent amount, due date, and payment methods (credit card, Zelle, cash, etc.).

Step 4 – Cancellation & Refund Policy

Define when a refund is issued and under what cancellation conditions.

Step 5 – House Rules

No large gatherings (over 10 people)
No smoking on premises
No pets without written consent
Quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM
Respect check-in and check-out times
Damages deducted from deposit
No illegal activity on property

Step 6 – Indemnification Clause

Tenant holds landlord harmless from liability or damages. Landlords are advised to carry rental property insurance (e.g. Farmers Insurance).

Step 7 – Trash & Clean-Up

Tenants must dispose of all trash and return the property in good condition.

Step 8 – Landlord Entry

Most states require a 24-hour notice before entering, unless in an emergency.

Step 9 – Utilities

Landlords may include utilities in rent, but reserve the right to charge for excessive use.

Step 10 – Emergency Contacts

Provide landlord or property manager contact information for issues during the stay.

Step 11 – Dispute Resolution

Use arbitration or mediation to resolve any conflicts between the landlord and tenant.

Federal Rental Laws That Apply to Short-Term Leases

Fair Housing Act (FHA) – No discrimination based on race, religion, disability. hud.gov
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) – Requires accessibility and accommodations. ada.gov
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – Required for properties built before 1978. epa.gov
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – Consent required to check credit. ftc.gov
Privacy Protections – Rental agreements must protect tenant data. occ.treas.gov
Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) – Provides basic tenant rights and lease rules. nchh.org
Anti-Retaliation Laws – Protects tenants who exercise their legal rights. nhlp.org

Find Short-Term Rentals: Homes & Apartments

Vacation Rentals & Beach Homes in California

Due to recent wildfires, some vacation listings may be affected. Stay updated with resources from Cal Fire and Frontline Wildfire Defense.

Free Short-Term Lease Agreement Template for Vacation Rentals