How Can I Get a Month-to-Month Lease?

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How Can I Get a Month-to-Month Lease?

Staff Writer · Nov 25, 2009

The need for flexible leasing may be important for a myriad of reasons. Contract employment, college graduation, marriage, or any number of issues may cause renters to realize the need for a month-to-month lease.

Short-term, month-to-month, or flexible term leasing may not be as difficult to obtain for an applicant as first thought, despite the fact that most communities do not directly advertise for this type of lease agreement. Month-to-month residents represent are an ever increasing number in apartment leasing, and rental communities often have marketing and residency plans to accommodate this type of applicant. Finding the right lease in the right community for you may only take slightly more effort to find.

A few minutes on Google or Yahoo! may yield instant results for communities in your area offering a month-to-month lease. However, if you do not find what you’re looking for in an apartment, you may need to go elsewhere.

Look Where You Live, Firstly

If you’re currently obliged to a lease agreement, check with your manager to see if any changes would be considered. Depending upon your needs, many landlords may be willing to alter your lease for an additional fee. A good landlord tenant relationship will assist with this process, so plan ahead if possible. If you’re nearing the end of your lease, now may be a perfect time to approach your manager and inquire as to whether you may be allowed to continue on a month-to-month basis. Let your landlord know why you are inquiring. If you’ve been a good resident, most managers will be understanding as to your needs and more willing to accommodate.

Speak to the Boss

Many leasing agents may not be knowledgeable or willing to offer a shorter term lease simply because they are following policy. Always ask to speak to the property manager when inquiring. If you’re unable to get through, attempt to set an appointment or stop by in person. Landlords will be more aware of vacancy and the need to fill units. Many complexes have an off-season when it is more difficult to lease due to weather, school recess, or similar. Inquiring during this time period heightens your chance for the landlord to bend the rules to meet your needs. In addition, by speaking to the manager directly, he may be able to help you in your search for another community should they be unable to help you with a lease in their own.

Come Prepared

Leasing to a great applicant is many times more important than leasing just to fill vacancy. As you’re searching for your month-to-month lease, presenting yourself as a excellent applicant is most important. A great reference from your former landlord is another gold star for your prospective community. Come prepared, and with checkbook in hand if possible. Same day leasing is very important to agents, so let them know you’re willing to sign your lease today if they’re willing to be flexible with their terms.

Should you still find that a month-to-month lease is more difficult to find than expected, continue to be persistent. Nearly all communities have vacant units, and you provide a great opportunity for them. Remember that each community you visit needs to stay fully occupied, and your month-to-month lease certainly provides increased business for them, while satisfying your need for a flexible term.

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