Short-Term Rental Agreement Template

All states | 17 types
Short-Term/Vacation Lease Agreement Page 1
Preview
4.7 (42 reviews)
Updated May 11, 2024
~ 7 pages
PDF
3.6K downloads
A short-term or vacation lease agreement is a legally binding document between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms for the stay. They are similar to a standard lease but last only for a rental period of one to thirty days as the parties agree. Edit this Lawrina template to your needs and download the prepared document in minutes.
Choose your type of this legal template.
Document Types
Lease Agreement
A lease agreement is a legal document that explains the terms of a rental property.
5.5K downloads
Condominium Lease Agreement
This contract outlines the terms and conditions under which a tenant rents a condominium.
3.2K downloads
Tenant Estoppel Certificate
This form verifies key details of a tenant’s lease for third parties.
862 downloads
Garage (Parking) Lease Agreement
This document outlines the terms and conditions of renting a parking spot or garage.
1.7K downloads
Horse Lease Form
This lease form is designed to define the terms of the horse's use and treatment.
3.8K downloads
Month-to-Month Lease Agreement
This agreement is used when a fixed-term lease ends but the tenants wish to stay on.
1.5K downloads
Office Space Lease Agreement
This form outlines the terms and conditions under which the lease of an office space occurs.
3.2K downloads
Oil and Gas Lease Form
This form legalizes the exploration, production, and distribution of natural sources.
3.3K downloads
Photo Booth Contract
This document outlines the terms and conditions of a photo booth rental service.
3.2K downloads
Rent-to-Own Agreement
This agreement helps the tenant lease the property with an option to buy it in the future.
1.6K downloads
Room Rental Agreement
This agreement lays out the terms and conditions that govern the room rental action.
1.7K downloads
Roommate Agreement
This contract is made between residents detailing house rules and mutual duties.
2.8K downloads
Storage Space Lease Agreement
This document allows renters to store objects in a commercial storage facility.
3K downloads
Vehicle Lease Agreement
This document helps clients lease a car for the necessary time and pay for leasing.
3.7K downloads
Venue Rental Agreement
This contract defines the terms for renting an event space between tenants and owners.
3.6K downloads
Warehouse Lease Agreement
This document helps to formalize the agreement between a warehouse owner and a tenant.
2K downloads

Template Description

Paper titled "Vacation Lease", pen, guest, baggage, and house

If you need a printable short-term lease agreement template, you’re in the right place. We have a simple PDF vacation rental contract template available to download. We’ve also compiled all the information you need to complete your short-term rental agreement form correctly, as well as tips on successfully renting out your vacation home.

What Is a Vacation Rental Agreement?

Vacation rental agreements are legal documents signed between the property owner or manager and the renter regarding the temporary stay at the property. These agreements are usually for short periods (between one and 30 days).

If the structure was built before 1978, owners must provide a copy of the lead-based paint disclosure form. Short term seasonal lease agreements must comply with all state laws and the standard policies of Airbnb or other rental sites being used. 

While Airbnb’s standard policy covers most circumstances, hosts can provide guests with another way to ensure they understand what can happen if they break the rules by using a rental contract. To minimize risks further, hosts can use an Airbnb co-host agreement template to fill in the gaps left by the rental site policies.

Warning

Guest rules should be outlined in a vacation rental agreement, along with the penalties for breaking them. In the case of a guest breaking the property’s policies or rules, the owner has the right to demand the guest pay for damages and to cancel the booking immediately or evict the guest from the leased property.

Parties of the Vacation Rental Agreement

  • The Owner Renting the Property –– The host at the property should provide his or her full name and contact information and describe the rental property clearly.
  • The Renting Party –– The full names and contact information of the guests who will stay at the property during the rental period should also be mentioned in the document. You may also want to specify the effective date, which is the date that the lease agreement becomes active.
  • Property Manager –– The person responsible for the property, if applicable, whose name, phone number, and email address should also be in the contract. 

Key Terms

Although all short-term rental agreements should cover certain key terms, the specifics will vary, depending on the property. 

A sample vacation rental agreement should contain the following 14 key terms:

  • Details about the rental property – The description of your rental property should explain the amenities included inside. Make sure the language is clear and unambiguous in your sample vacation rental contract.
  • Rental parties’ information – Your short-term lease agreement must include the names, addresses, and phone numbers of all guests who will stay at your property during the rental period. Specify the effective date, when the short-term lease agreement becomes active. 
  • Duration of rental – Short term lease examples must specify the date of arrival and departure. If these dates change before guests arrive, the vacation rental agreement must be updated.
  • Occupancy limit – Define the sleeping arrangements for each guest and include the fire code regulations that support your maximum occupancy.
Insight

You are protected under this section of the short-term lease agreement if your guests bring unauthorized visitors to your property. The guests must also accept liability for injuries or damage caused to the leased property by unauthorized visitors.

  • Access and keys – Describe in your sample short term rental agreement how guests will access your property. If you have a lockbox or other key policy, mention that in this section. 
  • Restrictions and rules for rentals – In every rental agreement template, this clause is essential to clearly state the house rules. For example, you might include a no-smoking policy or a no-pet policy and highlight any penalties for breaking the rules.
  • Details of payment – Everything related to payment should be present in this section of your short-term rental agreement. Include the agreed-upon rental rate as well as the due date for payment. Also, specify any other services you provide and their costs, including for instance guided tours, transportation, breakfast, etc.
  • Security deposit – The host will return the security deposit to the guest upon the guest’s departure, providing no incidents occurred. A security deposit protects you if a guest damages your property. Ensure that the amount of a security deposit you charge is on par with what other hosts in your area charge before specifying one in your rental agreement template.
  • Cancellation – Include a cancellation policy in this section. Usually, guests must write a cancellation request to the host.
  • Cleaning – Outline the cleaning terms and the fee if applicable here. Leave instructions so that your guests know exactly how to leave your property. 
  • Furnishings and amenities – Include a detailed description of all the amenities in your house, including furniture, linens, TV, air conditioning, etc. You can add any outdoor spaces your guests will be able to access.
  • Liability limitations – No matter how well you maintain your property, accidents and injuries can happen. The limitation of liability clause helps limit your responsibility if such incidents occur. When a guest suffers a loss during the course of a short-term rental agreement, the host may be liable for a limited amount.
Insight

The liability clause, if drafted appropriately, can eliminate a party’s right to certain types of damages. When negotiating an agreement and drafting these clauses, it helps to understand what damages might flow directly and indirectly from a breach of the agreement terms in order to protect your rights. 

This section in a vacation lease agreement should include the following:

  • State the guest’s statutory rights to bring a claim against you for any damages arising out of injury on your property, known as a premises liability lawsuit. In most states, owners that occupy property must make a reasonable effort to maintain a safe environment for visitors, and failure to keep the property safe for visitors can result in premises liability.
  • Define losses and/or damages with and without limits for each party.
  • Specify the losses and/or damages that each party will not be liable for (specific losses), e.g., loss of personal belongings or valuables of the guest or visitors.
  • Agreement Violation – This section should explain the consequences if either party violates the terms and conditions. As a host, you can use this section to prove that you have the right to cancel the guests’ stay if they violate the agreement.
  • Extra provisions – Extra clauses will further restrict what your guests can and cannot do during their stay. Define your other expectations here — for example, you can specify that guests cannot access a certain area of the house or the pool.

When To Use a Short-Term Rental Agreement

A property owner who intends to lease property for a relatively short duration, typically less than 30 days, should utilize a short-term rental agreement or daily rental ageement. Often referred to as a vacation rental agreement, the document defines the lease's terms and conditions, including the duration of the stay and the rights, and responsibilities of all parties involved.

In case of six-month rentals, ensuring a smooth and mutually respectful relationship from the onset is crucial. It is highly recommended that both parties sign the 6 months rental agreement before the tenant's occupation of the premises.

Insight

Since short-term rental contracts are for short-term stays, they are generally reserved for vacation lets or summer homes that are not intended to be lived in permanently. However, renting out furnished residential property for a few weeks or up to a month is also possible under these contracts.

Who Is the Short-Term/Vacation Rental Agreement for?

A short-term lease agreement for rental property is for both the landlord and the tenant. The short-term rental agreement outlines all the terms, ensuring both parties are aware of  their rights and responsibilities, which will help to avoid legal disputes further down the line. Here is a closer look at how sample vacation rental property management agreements benefit both parties:

  • Makes it possible for tenants to stay in various locations without having to purchase property.

  • Allows landlords to profit from homes where they do not permanently reside without putting their house up for sale and finding a new owner.

  • Provides tenants with detailed property descriptions, helping them decide whether the rental home is a good fit for their needs.

  • Informs tenants about what to expect when they arrive at the property.

  • Enables landlords to collect any payments for rent or additional expenses, such as breakfast or towel rental.

  • Protects tenants if they arrive at a damaged property without water or electricity, unreliable locks, etc.

Having a clearly worded, well-structured, and complete printables for short term rentals is a perfect option for both parties to make the guests’ stay pleasant and the owners’ business grow through positive feedback and repeat clients.

Warning

Make sure you have insurance in place so you don’t end up paying out of pocket if anything goes wrong.

What To Include in a Vacation Rental Agreement

Our short-term rental agreement template includes all the necessary sections that must be included to provide the landlord and tenant with adequate legal protection. Here is a closer look at all the general sections you should have in the short-term lease agreement template:

1. Details of the Parties

Your vacation rental agreement must include the names of all the guests who will stay at the property. You should also ask for their phone numbers and current correspondence addresses. The landlord must also provide their name and address.

2. Rental Property Details

Next comes a detailed description of the rental property. Include the property address alongside a list of all the amenities included for use throughout the duration of the stay. It is essential to use specific language, so there is no room for misinterpretation.

3. Rental Period and Guests

landlord giving a key to a guest

Detail how long the guests are staying at the rental property. You should include the dates of their stay and precise check-in and check-out times. You must also provide the total number of guests (adults and children) and the maximum occupancy of the property.

4. Rental Amount and Fees

Specify the agreed amount of rent per day and the total amount for the duration of the stay. You should also include other fees, such as cleaning fees, services charges, deposits, and taxes. Finish with an overall total amount, an upfront deposit amount, and the dates payments are due.

5. House Rules

You can use this part of the short-term lease form to add house rules. For example, you might want quiet time after 11 p.m., no parties or events, and no smoking of any kind inside the property. Guests must abide by these rules throughout their stay; breaking them counts as a contract violation.

6. Limitation of Liability

Accidents can happen even in the most well-maintained homes. This section of the short-term lease form protects the landlord if accidents and losses occur on the property. You need to outline what losses you will be liable for and the statutory damages limit for guests if they make claims against you.

7. Cancellation Policy

For vacation lets and short-term leases, tenants are often given a period in which they can cancel their reservation. The details of these conditions are in this section of the contract. You should specify how long tenants have to cancel after booking and the rules surrounding refunds and deposits.

8. Violation Agreement

This section of your short-term rental agreement template explains what happens if either the landlord or tenant breaks the aforementioned terms of the contract. In an ideal scenario, no disputes will arise. However, this clause is essential for both parties in case things don’t go as planned.

How To Write a Rental Agreement for Vacation or Short-Term Stays?

The vacation rental agreement template by Lawrina makes your writing easy. Download this printable PDF form, then complete the following steps:

Check Your Local Laws on Vacation Rentals

Before you rent out your vacation home, check the local laws of your jurisdiction. Some U.S. states require owners of vacation rental properties to have licenses for them to legally rent out their homes on a short-term basis, as is the case in Florida. Failure to hold a license can result in legal action and fines.

Warning

Other legal restrictions may also be in place, including:

  • Restricting the number of days landlords can rent property per year before paying fines;
  • Limits on the number of vacation rentals in a specific town or city;
  • Multiple dwelling laws to ensure families and local residents reside in apartment buildings.

The specific laws surrounding short-term rental agreements vary between states. In the State Law section, you can find all the relevant information regarding licenses and written form requirements. When in doubt, contact a local lawyer in the US to help walk you through the short-term rental agreements basics in your jurisdiction.

Decide Your Rental Agreement Terms

When setting up a short-term rental agreement, deciding on clear and thorough  terms that will govern the rental is crucial. Once you are familiar with your city's legal stipulations, you can begin to lay down the specifics of your short-term rental contract.

As the proprietor of a vacation rental, you have the flexibility to determine the terms of the agreement as long as they align with the legal parameters. Consider any house rules you would like your tenants to adhere to, the rental amount you plan to charge, any additional costs, and the circumstances under which you would be willing to cancel a booking.

To help you out, here are some questions you can use as thinking prompts to ensure that your vacation rental agreement is comprehensive:

  • What nightly rate do you plan to charge for your vacation rental?

  • Do you have a minimum stay requirement for your guests?

  • How much time do you need for property preparation between check-out and check-in?

  • Are there any additional fees (cleaning, taxes, etc.) that tenants are responsible for?

  • What deposit amount are you considering to secure the reservation?

  • Under what circumstances would you be willing to cancel a booking?

  • Is the deposit refundable? If so, under what conditions? When is the full payment due from the clients?

  • Do you want specific house rules (e.g., concerning noise or smoking) included in the vacation rental agreement?

Clearly defining these elements in your short-term rental agreement ensures a seamless experience for both parties.

Create a Property Description and Amenities List

Once you have established the basic terms of the agreement, draft a comprehensive description of the property and its amenities. This description must include the property type (apartment, house, etc.), the rooms that comprise the property, and which areas are public or private. Decide whether the guests have full or partial access to the property and make a note of this.

You also need to list the amenities that guests have access to during their stay. This might include some of the following examples:

  • Wi-Fi (including speed and access range)

  • Towels and bed linens

  • Parking (paid or free)

  • Washing machine and dryer

  • Hot tub or swimming pool

  • Basic cooking supplies

Assess the Liability of the Property

The term "property liability" encompasses the legal and financial obligations that come with owning a piece of real estate. As landlords, you must ensure that your property is safe for tenants. Safety can be maintained through diligent upkeep of the property, immediate repairs when damages occur, and alerting guests to potential hazards during ongoing repairs. Navigating legal issues carefully is vital to avoid missteps like a breach of contract, discrimination, or unlawful evictions in your dealings with tenants.

Conducting a thorough evaluation of the property and its associated liabilities is an important step. Ensure that your short-term rental agreement provides coverage in the event of losses or damages to minimize your personal liability in the event of unforeseen accidents. Additionally, when establishing a short-term rental contract, consider securing an insurance policy that covers potential damages, compensates for the loss of rental income due to necessary repairs, and addresses liability for any personal injuries that might occur on the premises.

A comprehensive short-term lease agreement clearly stipulates the rules of occupancy, providing a guiding framework for your relationship with the tenant. A clear agreement can help prevent legal disputes over issues like illegal eviction or breach of contract. By putting these measures in place in your rental agreement template, you ensure peace of mind and financial stability, even in the face of unexpected situations.

How To Use a Short-Term Rental Agreement

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to effectively utilize a short-term rental agreement:

  1. Understand your local laws: The first step in preparing a short-term lease agreement is to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations that govern short-term rentals in your area.
  2. Property preparation: Ensure your property is in excellent condition, so it is ready and appealing for prospective tenants.
  3. Photography: Capture high-quality photos of your property to represent its amenities and features accurately.
  4. Marketing the property: Strategically advertise your property to reach your target audience. This could involve online postings or local advertisements.
  5. Online publishing: Post your property listing on the web, using platforms frequently visited by potential short-term tenants.
  6. Tenant verification: Screen prospective tenants thoroughly to ensure they are reliable and likely to respect the terms of your short-term lease agreement.
  7. Sign the agreement: Once you select the tenant, print the agreement, review it with them, and have both parties sign it to formalize the contract.
  8. Finalizing the deal: The tenant can move in as soon as the short-term rental agreement is signed, unless the check-in date is otherwise specified in the agreement.
  9. Tenant stay: The tenant resides in the property according to the terms outlined in the contract.
  10. Tenant departure: After the lease period ends, the tenant checks out and leaves the property.
  11. Post-tenancy procedure: After the tenant's departure, cleaning and final checks should be done to ensure the property is in good condition. If a security deposit was collected, it should be returned to the tenant if no damage has occurred, as stipulated in the short-term lease agreement.

Common Use Cases

When leasing your property to new guests, utilizing a short-term rental agreement is advisable, as it clearly outlines the rights and obligations of both hosts and guests for a defined lease period. The short-term rental contract should be applied irrespective of the duration of the guest's stay, even if the booking is for a single night or if the guests are known acquaintances.

Common uses of the contract include:

  • Outline of terms: It is used to lay out the terms and conditions of the rental. Such terms include the duration of the stay, the rental cost, payment deadlines, and the cancellation policy.
  • Rules and regulations: It helps specify the rules and regulations that guests must adhere to during their stay. Examples of rules include expectations about pets, smoking, noise levels, and the number of occupants allowed.
  • Protection of property: The agreement is used to protect the owner's property. It can stipulate penalties for damage to the property or its contents.
  • Legal recourse: In the event of a dispute, the agreement provides a legal framework for resolution. For instance, if the guests refuse to pay or cause significant damage, the agreement outlines the actions the owner should take to recover damages.
  • Liability issues: The agreement can limit the owner's liability in cases of accidents or injuries that occur on the property during the rental period.
  • Explicit responsibilities: It outlines the duties and responsibilities of the owner and the guests, such as maintenance tasks, cleaning requirements, and check-in/check-out procedures.
  • Flexible renting: Short-term rental agreements are ideal for vacation rentals, temporary housing solutions, or any situation where a traditional long-term lease doesn't make sense.

In summary, a short-term rental agreement is an essential tool for anyone renting their property on a temporary basis. It helps ensure that both parties are clear about their obligations and what to expect from the arrangement.

Remember, guests should sign the short-term rental contract before occupying your property.

When Not To Use the Vacation Rental Agreement

You should not use a short-term lease agreement when you plan to have a guest stay longer than 30 days. In such cases, you should draft a formal month-to-month or fixed-term lease agreement.

How To Rent a Vacation Home: Tips and Tricks

Once your short-term rental contract is in place, the next step is to find your first guests. Welcoming guests into your home for the first time can be daunting, and ensuring a consistent stream of guests can be an even more significant challenge. Here are some strategies and suggestions to help you successfully rent out your vacation home and generate a steady income:

  1. Market research: Before listing your property, thoroughly research other rentals. Your findings will help you understand market dynamics and set a competitive per-night rate.

  2. Seasonal pricing: Be aware that booking rates may vary across different seasons. Implement dynamic pricing to attract more guests during off-peak periods and maximize revenue during high-demand seasons.

  3. Quality photographs: Remember to consider the importance of high-quality photos. Ensure that you take captivating and accurate images of each room to provide an appealing depiction of your home.

  4. Booking cancellation policy: Include a cancellation policy in your short-term rental agreement that balances protecting your interests and offering flexibility to potential guests.

  5. Professional assistance: Don't hesitate to seek professional help. Consider hiring a lawyer to guide you through your region's short-term rental contract laws, invest in reliable cleaning services, and engage a property maintenance partner. Handling these aspects well can save you time and potential legal headaches.

  6. Interior design: Decorate your home with a broad range of guests in mind. Stick to neutral color schemes and prioritize comfort to cater to all guests, whether on a business trip or a family vacation.

  7. Customer reviews: Encourage previous guests to review their stay at your property. The more positive feedback you garner, the more trust you build with potential tenants, improving your listing's attractiveness.

Remember, the short-term rental agreement is a crucial part of this process. It should cover all scenarios, and you should have guests sign it before check-in. It protects both parties and ensures a clear understanding of responsibilities and expectations. 

State Law

To run a successful Airbnb or vacation rental, you need to be aware of all the applicable regulations and tax laws.

Tax collection authorities are becoming more aware of how much money hosts are making and striving to make sure they receive their cut as the vacation rental market matures.

Insight

To avoid fines or removal from vacation rental marketplaces like Airbnb, we advise you to make sure you know the rules of your property back-to-front and that you’re licensed and paying taxes

Make sure you are aware of the local laws in your city and state.

State Law
Alabama
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
Alaska
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Arizona
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Arkansas
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
California
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required in certain cities.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Colorado
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required in certain cities.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
Connecticut
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required, however, special local permits may be required in certain cities.
State Law
Delaware
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Florida
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Georgia
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
Hawaii
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities and counties.
State Law
Idaho
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required, however, special local permits may be required in certain cities.
State Law
Illinois
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities and villages.
State Law
Indiana
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but certain permits are.
State Law
Iowa
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
Kansas
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Kentucky
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but the city permit is.
State Law
Louisiana
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Maine
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Maryland
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Massachusetts
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but registration and annual certification are required in certain cities.
State Law
Michigan
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Minnesota
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Mississippi
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but the city permit is.
State Law
Missouri
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but the license application and approval are.
State Law
Montana
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Nebraska
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Nevada
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required in certain cities.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
New Hampshire
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but permit is.
State Law
New Jersey
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required in certain cities.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
New Mexico
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT but permits in certain cities are.
State Law
New York
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required in certain cities.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
North Carolina
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
North Dakota
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but certain cities may have local regulations and requirements.
State Law
Ohio
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but permits in certain cities are.
State Law
Oklahoma
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Oregon
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Pennsylvania
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Rhode Island
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but state registration is.
State Law
South Carolina
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but specific conditions apply.
State Law
South Dakota
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license may be required in certain cities.
State Law
Tennessee
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
Texas
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required in certain cities.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Utah
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Vermont
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Virginia
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but registration certificate is.
State Law
Washington
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
West Virginia
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but business certification is.
State Law
Wisconsin
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Wyoming
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but permits in certain cities may be required.

Related Documents

Also Read

Frequently Asked Questions

How to back out of a vacation rental agreement?

If you need to withdraw from a vacation rental agreement, it's crucial to understand the process involved. Start by reviewing the cancellation policy stipulated in the contract. The contract’s cancellation should include details such as deposit refund requirements and notice period.

 

If you're still within the cancellation window outlined in the short-term lease agreement, terminating the contract is relatively simple. Craft a formal written communication to the other party indicating your intention to end the contract.

 

However, if the notice period has expired, the situation becomes more complex. According to the terms of the short-term rental agreement, you may have to fulfill the obligations, such as paying a cancellation fee or settling the remaining balance for the stay.

 

If you are outside the notice period, consider contacting the other party to explain your reasons for canceling. Compose a sincere and clear message detailing your circumstances. They might show leniency and agree to dissolve the booking without imposing fees, penalties, or seeking legal action.

 

Remember, a rental agreement template for a short-term lease protects both parties, so it's essential to communicate openly and adhere to the agreed-upon terms.

Is a short-term rental agreement mandatory?

While a short-term rental agreement is not always legally mandatory, lawyers highly recommend it to safeguard both parties involved in a short-term lease arrangement. The contract, also known as a vacation rental agreement or a short-term lease agreement, clearly stipulates the terms and conditions of the lease, the rights and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord and any penalties for violating these terms. Misunderstandings or disputes could arise without such an agreement, leading to potential financial and legal consequences. Furthermore, in some jurisdictions and for some online rental platforms, having a short-term rental agreement is indeed a requirement. Therefore, using a short-term rental agreement for protection and clarity is best.

Does a landlord break a lease agreement when they decide to sell the vacation rental property?

Selling a vacation rental property doesn't necessarily constitute a breach of a short-term rental agreement or a vacation rental agreement. However, the specifics depend on the terms outlined in the agreement. Suppose the contract guarantees the tenant's right to occupy the property for the agreed-upon period. In that case, the property sale typically doesn't affect the tenant's rights, and the new owner would inherit the existing lease. However, if the short-term lease agreement allows for termination upon sale, the landlord may be able to end the lease. Always consult with a lawyer in the US for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.