Short-Term Rental Agreement: Essential Sample Template

Understanding the essentials of a short-term rental agreement is crucial for both landlords and tenants. This guide provides a practical sample agreement to help you navigate the terms, conditions, and legalities involved in short-term rentals.
By Jamie

Short-Term Rental Agreement Sample Template

A short-term rental agreement is a contract between a property owner (landlord) and a tenant that outlines the terms for renting a property for a limited duration, typically less than six months. The agreement protects both parties by clarifying expectations and responsibilities.

Key Components of a Short-Term Rental Agreement

  1. Parties Involved

    • Name of the landlord
    • Name of the tenant
    • Contact information for both parties

  2. Property Details

    • Address of the rental property
    • Description of the property (e.g., number of bedrooms, amenities)

  3. Rental Term

    • Start date and end date of the rental period
    • Check-in and check-out times

  4. Rental Price and Payment Terms

    • Total rent amount
    • Payment due dates
    • Accepted payment methods (e.g., bank transfer, PayPal)

  5. Security Deposit

    • Amount of security deposit required
    • Conditions for its return

  6. Cancellation Policy

    • Terms for cancellation by either party
    • Refund policy for cancellations

  7. Rules and Regulations

    • House rules (e.g., noise restrictions, pet policies)
    • Restrictions on smoking or parties

  8. Liability and Indemnification

    • Limitations on liability for damages
    • Indemnification clauses

Sample Short-Term Rental Agreement


**SHORT-TERM RENTAL AGREEMENT**  
**This Agreement is made on [Date]**  
**Between:**  
**Landlord:** [Landlord Name]  
**Tenant:** [Tenant Name]  

**Property Address:**  
[Full Address of Rental Property]  

**Rental Term:**  
Start Date: [Start Date]  
End Date: [End Date]  
Check-in Time: [Time]  
Check-out Time: [Time]  

**Total Rental Amount:**  
$[Amount]  
Due on: [Due Date]  

**Security Deposit:**  
$[Amount] (to be paid prior to check-in)  
Conditions for return: [Conditions]  

**Cancellation Policy:**  
- Cancellations made [X] days prior to check-in will receive a full refund.  
- Cancellations made less than [X] days prior will forfeit the deposit.  

**Rules and Regulations:**  
- No smoking inside the property.  
- Pets are not allowed unless previously discussed.  
- Quiet hours are from [Time] to [Time].  

**Liability:**  
The Landlord is not liable for any injuries or damages occurring during the rental period.  

**Indemnification:**  
The Tenant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Landlord from and against any and all claims, damages, or liabilities arising from the Tenant’s use of the property.  

**Signatures:**  
____________________________  
[Landlord Name/Signature]  
____________________________  
[Tenant Name/Signature]

Conclusion

Using a well-structured short-term rental agreement can help prevent misunderstandings and protect the interests of both landlords and tenants. Customize the sample agreement provided here to fit your specific needs and ensure a smooth rental experience.