Short Term Let: What You Need to Know About Temporary Rentals
A short term let, a rental agreement lasting days to a few months, often used by travelers, relocating professionals, or people between homes. Also known as furnished rental, it’s not just a hotel alternative—it’s a flexible housing solution with legal and financial rules you can’t ignore. Unlike long-term leases, short term lets don’t lock you in for a year. They’re common in cities like London, New York, or Mumbai, where people need a place fast—maybe for a project, a job transfer, or even a family visit. But here’s the catch: they’re not always cheaper. Some landlords charge 30% more per month than a 12-month lease, just because they know you need it now.
What makes a short term let work? It’s not just the furniture. It’s the rental agreement, a written contract that outlines rules for guests, deposits, and early exits. Also known as temporary tenancy, this document can be handwritten or digital—but if it’s missing key details like check-out times or cleaning fees, you’re at risk. In places like Virginia, even a verbal agreement can hold up in court if both sides agreed to terms. But don’t rely on that. Always get it in writing. And if you’re the landlord? You need to know local laws. Some cities limit how short a rental can be. Others require special permits for stays under 30 days. Then there’s the furnished rental, a property with beds, kitchenware, and sometimes even Wi-Fi included. Also known as fully equipped stay, it’s why people choose this over hotels. But who pays for broken items? Who cleans between guests? These questions aren’t always clear until something goes wrong. And don’t forget the security deposit, a refundable payment landlords hold to cover damage or unpaid bills. In many short term lets, this can be as high as one full month’s rent. Unlike long-term rentals, you won’t get it back automatically. You’ll need to request it, and sometimes argue for it.
Short term lets are growing fast—not because people want to live in hotels, but because life is unpredictable. People move for jobs. Kids finish school. Couples split. A 3-month rental can be the only safe option. But it’s also risky. Landlords might change terms last minute. Tenants might leave without notice. That’s why the best short term lets come with clear rules, photos of the condition before move-in, and a paper trail. The posts below cover real cases: what happens when a lease isn’t signed, how to handle deposits in different states, why some landlords refuse short term tenants, and how to find a place that’s truly furnished—not just a bed and a couch. Whether you’re renting out your apartment for a few weeks or looking for a place to stay while you rebuild your life, this collection gives you the facts, not the fluff.
What Type of Rental Property Is Most Profitable in 2025?
In 2025, short-term lets in high-demand UK cities deliver the highest rental returns, outpacing traditional buy-to-let. Learn where to invest, what to avoid, and how to turn a small flat into a profitable business.
- November 21 2025
- Archer Hollings
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