Renting a place to live in the long term is fairly straightforward, but putting a roof over your head without an extended commitment is a bit trickier. Legal regulations can limit what’s available to you, and renewing your rental agreement can bring big changes to rates and general terms. Still, if you need a place to stay for just a little while, you have a few good choices.
1) Month-to-month rentals.
Many apartments complexes and private landlords allow renters to sign leases that last just four weeks. The rates are typically a little higher than you would pay if you had a longer agreement, mainly because “turning” or preparing the apartment for new tenants up to 12 times per year is more expensive than only doing it once or twice. The landlord/apartment manager also usually wants to offset the additional risks that come with allowing a greater number of people into the property. Nevertheless, month-to-month rentals can be spacious and give you access to amenities like covered garages, fitness centers and private, in-unit laundry. You also can go through very reputable complexes. If you cannot find a regular month-to-month rental, you might be able to find someone who can sublet their apartment or other property to you.
2) Timeshares.
Timeshares are properties are jointly owned by several parties. The individuals or families who own the property take turns occupying the space throughout the year. A typical rate is about $19,000, which gives you one week of occupancy every year for 20 years. This usually pays for several bedrooms, living space, a full kitchen and other traditional amenities such as parking. There are other expenses to consider, such as closing costs and maintenance fees, but many people feel the higher cost of a timeshare is worth the home-like comfort and guaranteed availability of the property over time. If you can’t afford to buy a timeshare or don’t want to commit to one for years, individuals often are willing to rent the space for the time they normally would have it.
3) Online rentals.
Many individuals will post ads online looking to find a temporary renter, such as if they have a property they do not use in the summer. Sites such as Craigslist often feature these ads, but if you want more information about your landlord or the property, other sites that specialize in rentals, such as Airbnb, can reduce your risk of getting scammed. These sites often have properties ranging from single rooms to full houses, and you can find short-term time ranges from just a single weekend to several months.
4) Hotels.
Just about all hotels offer extended-stay rates, usually operating on a weekly or monthly basis. However, if you want more space or the option of an in-room kitchen and full fridge, consider hotels specifically designed for people who need to stay more than a few nights, such as Extended Stay America. These companies work well if you’re in the military, are transitioning to more permanent housing, are visiting family or need to stay in an area for a while for work.
Conclusion
Finding a short-term place to stay can be a little tougher than locating a property with a longer lease, but multiple options can fit your needs. From month-to-month rentals to hotel rooms, your perfect property is out there!
