If you are like me, and check in on the Next Door app, or
follow your own neighborhood’s news stream, you know that this is the season
when more and more people start to look for short term rentals. While most
people in the rental market prefer leases of 6-months to one year at least, the
short term market heats up as the temperatures cool down.
Short term rentals offer lots of extras and these almost
always come at a higher cost. People looking for an apartment or a home for
just a few months or in the tourist season can expect to pay additional fees,
depending on where and when they lease their home or apartment.
These rentals typically include all utilities so there’s
no need to sign up or change services. They may also include outdoor services
like landscaping and pool maintenance.
If there are shared amenities like community pools, gyms,
barbecues and/or business centers, renters must abide by all rules of the
community. Savvy owners or managers will review these rules and ensure that
their renters understand the rules and that they are responsible for abiding by
them. Most leases will hold renters responsible for all fees and fines
incurred.
When your short term rental comes furnished, you can
expect to have major furniture including technology in place. Most furnished
rentals include appliances, beds, tables, couches, but if you need additional
furnishings or need a high speed router or other technology, you may have to
inquire before renting.
Renters looking for a short term lease need to be more
careful about the terms of the lease and any additional costs or restrictions
included there. Oftentimes owners and managers include more provisions about
eviction and fines that can be levied. For your own protection, be sure to read
your lease carefully and ask questions.
If you’re planning to rent in a managed community, I
encourage you to ask your owner or manager questions about how the community
operates.