Why Lease Agreements Matter (Even for 30–90 Day Stays)
Here’s the truth: whether your guest is staying for 4 weeks or 4 months, a mid-term rental lease agreement isn’t optional—it’s essential.
It protects you, your property, and your tenant. It sets expectations upfront and minimizes misunderstandings down the line.
In short, it’s your best friend in the mid-term rental business.
What it is and how a mid-term rental lease agreement works
A mid-term lease agreement is a written contract between a landlord and tenant for a 30–180 day furnished rental. It combines elements of short-term (flexibility) and long-term (structure) contracts.
Unlike traditional year-long leases, this agreement should account for things like:
- Furnishings and included amenities
- Utility coverage
- Cleaning expectations
- Flexibility in extension or early termination
If you’re just starting out, this guide pairs well with our post on How to Furnish a Mid-Term Rental for Maximum Guest Satisfaction.
Key elements checklist for your mid-term rental lease agreement
Use this checklist to build your lease or review the one you’re using now:
✅ 1. Parties & Dates
- Full legal names of all tenants
- Start and end dates (30–180 days)
- Option to extend? Add that clause
✅ 2. Property Details
- Full property address
- Clearly list what’s included (Wi-Fi, kitchenware, furnishings)
- Include square footage or unit number if needed
✅ 3. Monthly Rent & Payment Terms
- Rental amount
- Due date + grace period (if any)
- Accepted payment methods (bank transfer, PayPal, etc.)
- Late payment fees
Need help pricing your unit? See our Mid-Term Rental Pricing Strategy Guide
✅ 4. Security Deposit Terms
- How much?
- When is it due?
- Where is it held?
- When and how is it refunded?
- Reasons for deductions (cleaning, damages, unpaid utilities)
✅ 5. Utilities and Services
- Are utilities included? (Electricity, gas, water, Wi-Fi, trash)
- Are there caps on usage?
- Who handles cable or streaming services?
✅ 6. Pet Policy (if applicable)
- Pets allowed? Be specific
- Breed/weight restrictions
- Additional pet deposit or cleaning fee
✅ 7. Maintenance & Access
- Who handles minor repairs?
- What if the Wi-Fi stops working?
- Can you enter the property for inspections?
- How much notice must you give?
✅ 8. House Rules
- No smoking, parties, or subletting
- Quiet hours
- Trash disposal and cleaning expectations
- Parking instructions
Want fewer support calls? Include this section clearly and revisit it during move-in.
✅ 9. Termination and Renewal Clauses
- Can either party break the lease early?
- How much notice is required?
- Will it auto-renew month-to-month?
✅ 10. Signatures
- Printed names and signatures of both parties
- Date signed
- Optional: Emergency contact info
Inventory checklist to attach to your mid-term rental lease agreement (bonus)
Attach a separate document listing:
- Furniture
- Electronics (TV, router)
- Appliances
- Kitchen items
- Linens and towels
Have the tenant sign this at check-in. It’s your insurance against false damage claims.
mid-term rental lease agreement vs. short- and long-term leases: what’s different
| Clause | Short-Term Stay | Mid-Term Rental | Long-Term Lease |
| Furnished | ✅ Required | ✅ Required | ❌ Usually not |
| Utilities Included | ✅ Often | ✅ Usually | ❌ Rarely |
| Lease Length | ❌ None | ✅ 30–180 days | ✅ 6–12+ months |
| Deposit | ❌ Sometimes | ✅ Common | ✅ Standard |
| House Rules & Flexibility | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Important | ✅ Legal-driven |
FAQs about your mid-term rental lease agreement
Q1: Can I use a short-term Airbnb contract for MTRs?
No. Short-term rental contracts don’t cover the complexity of multi-month agreements and can expose you legally.
Q2: Do I need a lawyer to write my lease?
Not always. Use a reliable mid-term rental lease template, then have it reviewed locally if possible.
Q3: Should I still use a lease if I’m renting month-to-month?
Yes. Always get agreements in writing—even if it’s just 30 days.
Final thoughts: keep it professional with a solid mid-term rental lease agreement
As a landlord, your lease agreement is your safety net. It clarifies boundaries, prevents disputes, and shows guests that you’re running a legitimate operation—not just renting out a spare room.
Whether you’re managing one unit or scaling a portfolio of MTRs, taking time to build a solid agreement is a smart move.📄 Need a mid-term lease-ready platform?
🏠 Start hosting on MiniStays.com today →
