Month-to-Month Leases Renters can expect the monthly rent rate to be much higher than that of a fixed-term lease. However, renting month-to-month gives you the flexibility to move out with far less notice than with other lease types.
Longer leases are best for situations where you and any roommates know you want to stay in the apartment for a year or more. Ideally, you're already familiar with the neighborhood and have a stable work or school situation. Shorter leases or month-to-month leases are better for renters who need a bit more flexibility.
How to Rent an Apartment in One Month: 7 Tips for a Quick Move-In Plan ahead — and do it thoroughly. Get your online search on, but also keep an eye on offline listings. Word of mouth is underrated, so let all your friends know you're apartment hunting. Prepare your documents in advance. Stay flexible.
Leases typically run for one year or more. Any lease for less than 12 months is considered short-term. You can find short-term apartment leases for three months, six months, nine months or even month-to-month. Monthly leases generally renew automatically each month as long as you and your landlord both agree.
To Landlords out there - how long do you prefer to lease to tenants? Most landlords prefer 1 year leases, at least to start off with. Some landlords don't mind long term leases or even prefer it. A tenant who becomes extremely difficult despite having good references and prior rental history is very much a possibility.
If you plan to stay long-term, two-year will be much cheaper a decade or more down the line (compound interest, and the two-year increases are always less than double the one-year increases). But you might want the flexibility of a one-year lease or just don't plan to stay long enough for it to be worthwhile.
Housing (rent or mortgage) should not be more than 1/3 of your income before taxes. If you work full time (40 hours) at $12 per hour, that's $2000 per month, so you shouldn't spend more than $667 per month on housing. That's definitely going to restrict where you can live.
Renting an apartment isn't as easy as waltzing in and saying “I'll take it!”—particularly in today's competitive rental market. With many prospective tenants to choose from, landlords can be picky, and they will prioritize applicants with a track record of paying off debts and respecting their neighbors and community.
Renting, especially on a short-term basis, can sometimes come with higher monthly costs due to the increased flexibility it offers the landlord. For instance, a studio apartment for rent on a month-to-month basis might be more expensive per month than the same apartment under a lease agreement.