The Benefits and Drawbacks of Month-to-Month Leases

A Month-to-Month Rental Agreement is an excellent method to have your agreement in writing while retaining the flexibility of a shorter, more open-ended period. Let us look through the benefits and drawbacks of month-to-month contracts.

What you will discover:

What exactly is a month-to-month lease?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a month-to-month lease?
How much notice is necessary to end a month-to-month tenancy?
When is it permissible for a landlord to increase the rate on a month-to-month rental?
Seek advice before signing anything.

While many landlords and renters prefer the security of a lengthier, fixed-term lease, you may need a more flexible renting agreement. A Month-to-Month Rental Agreement may be an option to explore if you want a shorter or more open-ended term. This form of tenancy may not be appropriate for everyone or every scenario, so you should thoroughly grasp the benefits and drawbacks of month-to-month leases before signing. Below, we will look at some frequently asked questions.

What exactly is a month-to-month lease?

A month-to-month lease is exactly what it sounds like: a rental arrangement that renews each month. In general, this sort of lease permits either party to terminate the arrangement at any time by providing the agreed-upon or legally needed amount of notice. Aside from the variation in term length, a month-to-month lease is comparable to a fixed-term lease in terms of stating each party’s rights and duties.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a month-to-month lease?

Here are a few things to think about while assessing the benefits and drawbacks of a month-to-month lease:
Timing flexibility

A landlord may terminate a month-to-month contract at any time, allowing them to remove tenants as required, although this may cause housing instability for renters.
Tenants may leave at any moment, which is convenient if their housing requirements are more transient, but it may result in rental revenue shortages for the landlord.

Variability in rent

A landlord may raise rent more often, but unexpected expenditures might be difficult for renters to handle if they are on a tight budget.
Landlords may choose to set monthly rent costs higher than they would for a longer-term renting period, but this may be prohibitively expensive for renters.

How much notice is necessary to end a month-to-month tenancy?

Because of the flexibility and unclear end date of a month-to-month lease, the party wishing to discontinue the partnership must provide some early notice. A 30- to 60-day notice is typical. If the contract has no notice obligation, state standards will apply.

Whatever the parties agree upon in the rental agreement is usually defendable as long as it is not against state law. You can’t, for example, commit to just four days’ notice if the state demands at least one week. A lawyer can help you comprehend the laws that apply to your property.

It is advised that you put your message in writing, either via a Landlord’s Notice of Nonrenewal or a Tenant’s Notice to Terminate Tenancy, regardless of when you provide notice.

When is it permissible for a landlord to increase the rate on a month-to-month rental?

Many states prohibit how landlords may raise rent for month-to-month rentals, similar to how they must provide notice to stop the arrangement. Some states need a 30- to 60-day notice period, while others do not. Consult a lawyer to find out what limits may apply to you. If you do intend to increase your rent, a Rent Increase Letter might assist you in communicating your choice.

Seek advice before signing anything.

Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of a month-to-month lease is critical whether you are a landlord or a renter. It might be beneficial, but you should always be aware of the hazards involved. Having a clear understanding of your rights and obligations before renting out a home as a landlord or looking for accommodation as a tenant can assist guarantee a pleasant landlord-tenant relationship. If you have more legal issues concerning residential rentals, look for other information for landlords and renters or see a lawyer.