How to Find a Short-Term Lease

A short-term lease is a rental agreement that typically lasts from a few weeks to less than a year. Unlike traditional long-term leases, short-term leases offer more flexibility for renters who may only need temporary housing, such as during a work assignment or while waiting to move into a permanent home. Short-term leases can include furnished accommodations and may have higher rental rates due to their convenience.

While 12-month leases are the norm for two out of three fixed-term renters, sometimes all you need is a place to stay for a short duration. This is when finding a short-term lease may help. We’ll guide you through how to find a short-term lease that fits your needs.

1. Stay ahead of new listings 

Stay ahead of new short-term rental listings by keeping a close eye on platforms like Zillow, HotPads and Streeteasy (for those renting in New York). Set up alerts to be notified as soon as new properties go live, ensuring you don’t miss out on the best opportunities. Staying proactive helps you secure the best deals before others do. Tools like the Zillow Rental App let you browse properties, apply filters, and schedule tours — all from your phone, so you never miss out on the best short-term lease options.

2. Set your budget

A short-term lease is a great option if you need flexibility. It’s ideal for those who are relocating, testing out a new city, or unsure about long-term commitments. The one caveat is that short-term leases may come with slightly higher monthly costs. The shorter the lease, the more you may spend on rent each month. The freedom to adjust your living situation without being tied down can often outweigh the expense. Make sure to weigh your needs and future plans before deciding.

3. Plan for additional fees

Short-term rentals may have different fee structures than long-term leases, so be sure to ask about:

• Security deposits
• Application fees or background check costs
• Non-refundable cleaning fees (particularly for furnished units)
• Pet fees or deposits if you’re bringing furry friends

4. Purchase renters insurance coverage

Some landlords and property managers will still require you to have renters insurance coverage, even when signing a short-term lease. Renters insurance protects their investment in the property but also you as the renter. Check if you need a special policy for short-term leases, and ask what level of coverage you need. You can get renters insurance coverage through Zillow for as little as $8.33 per month.

5. Leverage seasonal advantages

If you’re flexible on timing, use seasonality to your advantage. A 2024 Zillow survey revealed that most renters move in the spring, between March and June.

• College towns have more availability during summer breaks
• Vacation destinations offer steep discounts during shoulder seasons
• Business districts may have deals on weekends or during holiday periods

6. Spot (and avoid) rental scams

Nothing ruins a rental search faster than falling victim to a scam. Rental scams can still happen whether you’re looking for a month-to-month rental or a six to 12 month lease. Keep an eye out for these red flags when searching for a short-term rental:

• Suspiciously low prices. If every comparable rental is $1,500 but this one’s $900, there’s likely a catch. Research average prices in the area before beginning your search.
• Pressure tactics. Phrases such as “Three other people are interested, I need a deposit today to hold it” are red flags. Rentals can move fast, and you may have to make quick decisions. But if a renter is being forced to make a decision without having questions answered, a rental application, or generally a lack of transparency, then it might be best to slow down and maybe move on. 
• Requests for unusual payment methods. Wire transfers, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or cash apps should raise immediate suspicion. These methods offer little to no protection.
• The landlord won’t schedule a tour. Tools like Zillow’s Tour Rentals let you schedule in-person or self-guided tours, so you can inspect the rental, confirm its condition, and ensure it matches the listing before making a decision.
• Generic listing photos. Pristine, catalog-perfect photos without any distinguishing features might not be the actual property. One way to cross check against fake photos or scammer property is to research the listing agent or company, confirm the address and ownership, and request a virtual tour or ask a trusted agent to check it out. 

7. Check out the amenities

Before committing to a short-term lease, make sure to review the amenities provided. Look for essentials like Wi-Fi, kitchen supplies, and laundry facilities to ensure a comfortable stay. If you know you’ll want extras, like a pool, gym, or outdoor space, check that the property offers these amenities. Even if you’re only staying for a month, having access to some additional perks can make your stay more enjoyable. 

8. Come prepared to close the deal

In competitive rental markets, being ready to commit gives you an edge as an applicant.

• Have references ready
• Bring proof of income/employment
• Be prepared to put down a security deposit immediately for the right place
• Offer to move in sooner rather than later

Make sure that you sign a lease agreement before you commit to moving in. A lease will document all your responsibilities as the tenant and the property owner’s responsibilities. This will help avoid any confusions later on around when your lease ends, the cost of rent and who’s responsible for maintaining each aspect of the property while you’re living there.  

9. Trust your gut

Navigating the world of short-term leases doesn’t have to feel like walking through a minefield. With strategic planning, careful vetting, and the right negotiation tactics, you can find a flexible living situation that meets your needs without draining your bank account.

Remember that each type of short-term rental — from month-to-month to six-month leases — comes with its own set of advantages and potential pitfalls. The key is matching your specific situation with the right rental and approaching the process with both caution and confidence.