A short term rental agreement becomes essential anytime you’re renting out a property for a limited duration—typically less than six months. Unlike traditional long-term leases, short-term rentals involve a faster turnover, more flexibility, and unique circumstances that make a written agreement even more critical.
You might need a short term rental agreement in situations such as: vacation rentals, business or corporate stays, temporary housing, event-specific rentals, student or internship housing, subleasing arrangements.
In all these scenarios, a formal agreement protects both parties. It ensures transparency about rent payments, deposit terms, usage restrictions, and cancellation rules, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or legal issues. Even for short stays, putting everything in writing helps enforce accountability and avoids potential disputes.
What Is a Short Term Rental Agreement?
A short term rental agreement is a written contract between a property owner (or authorized landlord) and a tenant (or guest), specifying the terms under which the property is rented for a brief period. This period can range from a single night to several weeks or a few months, depending on the nature of the arrangement and local regulations.
Unlike a standard long-term lease, which typically runs for 6 or 12 months, a short term rental agreement is designed for flexibility, often catering to temporary needs like vacations, business trips, or transitional housing. Despite its shorter duration, this type of agreement serves a critical legal and practical function. It outlines the rights, obligations, and expectations of both parties in a clear and enforceable manner.
Here’s what a short term rental agreement usually includes:
- Identification of both parties: Names and contact details of the property owner/host and the tenant/guest.
- Property details: The full address and a brief description of the rental property (e.g., apartment, guest house, furnished condo).
- Rental period: Exact check-in and check-out dates, including specific times if necessary.
- Rental fees: Total rent amount, payment method, due dates, and any late fee conditions.
- Security deposit: Whether a refundable deposit is required, and under what terms it may be withheld.
- Rules of use: House rules such as no smoking, no pets, guest limits, noise restrictions, or pool use.
- Utilities and services: Clarification on who covers utilities, internet, cleaning, or other services.
- Liability and damage: Terms covering responsibility for property damage, insurance coverage, or disputes.
- Cancellation and refund terms: Policies in case either party needs to cancel before or during the rental period.
- Signature and date: Signed consent from both parties to formalize the agreement.
This document not only strengthens the legal standing of the arrangement but also helps platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo resolve disputes when they arise. Moreover, in many jurisdictions, having a signed rental agreement is required to comply with short-term rental laws, insurance coverage, or tax reporting obligations.
Whether you're hosting out of your primary residence or managing multiple listings, using a short term rental agreement helps you present yourself as a professional, protect your property, and build trust with guests or tenants.
Short Term Rental Agreement Templates
Here are customizable templates for different types of short-term rentals, along with real-world examples that demonstrate how they work in practice.
Basic Short Term Rental Agreement Template
This is the most commonly used format for short-term stays, ideal for landlords or hosts renting out their property on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis—such as vacation homes, furnished apartments, or city flats. It clearly outlines the rental term, rent amount, payment method, security deposit, house rules, and other key conditions.
Best for:
Vacation property owners, Airbnb or Vrbo hosts, Landlords offering short-term furnished rentals, One-time or occasional rentals
Blank format:
SHORT TERM RENTAL AGREEMENT
This Rental Agreement is made and entered into on [Date] between:
Landlord/Host:
Name: ____________________________
Address: __________________________
Phone: ____________________________
Email: ____________________________
Tenant/Guest:
Name: ____________________________
Address: __________________________
Phone: ____________________________
Email: ____________________________
Property Address: [Complete Address of Rental Property]
Rental Term:
Check-in Date: ___________
Check-out Date: ___________
Rent Amount: $_________
Payment Due: [Date or Schedule]
Payment Method: [Bank Transfer / Cash / App]
Security Deposit: $_________ (refundable upon property inspection)
House Rules:
- No smoking indoors
- No pets unless approved
- Maximum occupancy: ___
- Quiet hours: ___ PM to ___ AM
Responsibilities:
Tenant agrees to maintain the property in clean condition and report any damages immediately.
Landlord agrees to ensure the property is clean, functional, and safe upon guest arrival.
Liability and Damage:
The Tenant is responsible for any loss, breakage, or damage caused to the property or its contents during the rental period, excluding normal wear and tear.
The Landlord shall not be liable for any accidents, injuries, or illness occurring on the premises unless due to gross negligence.
The cost of repairs or replacements may be deducted from the security deposit. If damages exceed the deposit, the Tenant agrees to pay the balance within 14 days of receiving written notice.
Cancellation Policy:
[Cancellable with X days’ notice / Non-refundable / Partial refund conditions]
Signatures:
Landlord Signature: ____________________ Date: __________
Tenant Signature: _____________________ Date: __________
Real Example of Vacation Rental for Business Traveler
SHORT TERM RENTAL AGREEMENT
This Rental Agreement is made and entered into on June 20, 2025 between:
Landlord/Host:
Name: Karen Liu
Address: 132 Eastwood Lane, San Diego, CA
Phone: (858) 555-4433
Email: karen.liu@rentalsandiego.com
Tenant/Guest:
Name: Richard Chan
Address: 409 Maple Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada
Phone: +1 (416) 555-8820
Email: rchan@email.com
Property Address: 132 Eastwood Lane, San Diego, CA 92103
Rental Term:
Check-in: July 1, 2025
Check-out: July 14, 2025
Rent Amount: $1,200 for the full stay
Payment Due: July 2, 2025
Payment Method: Bank Transfer
Security Deposit: $300 (refundable upon inspection)
House Rules:
No smoking
No pets
Max occupancy: 2
Quiet hours: 10 PM to 8 AM
Responsibilities: Tenant agrees to keep the property clean and notify the Landlord of any issues. Landlord ensures the property is fully operational and clean before check-in.
Liability and Damage: The Tenant shall be held responsible for any damage caused to the property, including furniture and appliances, beyond normal wear and tear. The Landlord is not liable for injuries, theft, or accidents occurring on the premises unless resulting from negligence. Any deductions for damages will be documented and subtracted from the deposit. Excess damage costs will be billed to the Tenant.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund with 7 days’ notice
Signatures: Karen Liu Richard Chan
[Signed] [Signed]
June 20, 2025 June 20, 2025
2. Sublet Agreement Template (Tenant-to-Tenant)
This version is tailored for situations where a current tenant temporarily rents out the property—either part of it or the entire space—to someone else. It’s especially useful for students, interns, or professionals on temporary relocation who need housing for just a few months.
Best for: Tenants going on a short leave (e.g., vacation or sabbatical), Students subletting during summer break, Leaseholders offering a room or unit temporarily
Blank format:
SUBLET AGREEMENT
This agreement is made on [Date] between:
Original Tenant: ________________________
Subtenant: _____________________________
Property: [Full Address]
Sublet Term: From __________ to __________
Monthly Rent: $_________
Security Deposit: $_________
The Subtenant agrees to comply with all terms of the original lease.
The Original Tenant remains responsible for damages and rent obligations.
Signatures:
Original Tenant: ____________________
Subtenant: _____________________
Real Example of Sublet for Summer Internship
SUBLET AGREEMENT
Date: May 10, 2025
Original Tenant: Jason Lopez
Subtenant: Mia Zhang
Property: 410B West 23rd St, New York, NY
Term: June 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025
Rent: $1,400/month
Deposit: $500
Mia agrees to follow building rules and keep the unit in good condition.
Jason remains liable under the original lease.
Signatures:
Jason Lopez Mia Zhang
[Signed] [Signed]
May 10, 2025 May 10, 2025
Tips for Filling Out the Template
Filling out your short term rental agreement is simple but important. Follow these tips for a smooth process:
1. Be Precise with Dates: Always use full check-in and check-out dates to avoid overlap or early termination confusion.
2. Define Payment Terms Clearly: Include exact amounts, due dates, and accepted payment methods.
3. Use Clear Rules: If your property has rules (e.g., no pets or parties), spell them out clearly in a dedicated “House Rules” section.
4. Include Contact Info: List active email and phone numbers for both parties in case of emergency or clarification.
5. Always Sign and Date: A signature makes the agreement enforceable. Digital or physical signatures are both valid.
6. Local Laws May Apply: Check if your city or state requires specific clauses for short-term stays (e.g., tourist taxes or licensing info).
FAQs About Short Term Rental Agreements
Q1: Is a short term rental agreement legally binding?
Yes, once signed by both parties, the agreement becomes enforceable under civil contract law.
Q2: Can I use this for Airbnb guests?
Yes, especially for long stays or to supplement platform terms with custom rules or deposit requirements.
Q3: What’s the typical duration of a short term rental?
Anywhere from 1 night to 6 months. Beyond that, it's usually considered a long-term lease.
Q4: Should I require a security deposit?
It’s highly recommended, even for short stays, to protect against damages or unpaid rent.
Q5: Can the agreement be signed electronically?
Absolutely. Tools like PDF Agile, DocuSign, or Jotform allow secure digital signatures.
Conclusion
A short term rental agreement offers peace of mind to both landlords and tenants by putting essential terms in writing—from payment and duration to house rules and cancellation policies. Whether you're managing a vacation home, subletting an apartment, or hosting through an online platform, having a clear, customized agreement prevents problems and builds trust. Use our templates and examples to get started quickly—and ensure your rental experience is safe, professional, and worry-free.
Free Download: Your Customizable Short Term Rental Agreement
Need a quick and easy way to create a short term rental agreement? Download our free, customizable templates by clicking the Use Template button on this page. Simply add your specific information and print them out.
