Boston Condos for Sale and Apartments for Rent
How does a Boston month to month apartment lease work?
When executed, an apartment lease agreement is a legal contract that details the expectations of the tenant and the landlord. A lease not only provides a tenant and landlord with important legal protections but also essential lease terms like the rent, security deposits, occupancy limitations, termination dates, utilities, and other basic data.
What are the lengths of most Boston apartment leases?
Most residential rental agreements between a landlord and tenant have expiration dates extending at least 12 months. In downtown Boston most lease commence September 1st in line with the local colleges and universities
However, not every landlord or tenant wants to trap themselves for a year or more, so some may prefer not to sign long-term, annual lease documentation.
Fortunately, in these situations, a simple month-to-month rental agreement offers a viable, open-ended alternative to a long-term rental commitment.
What is a Month-to-Month Lease?
A month-to-month lease agreement establishes a legal occupancy relationship. It differs from a traditional rental lease because a monthly lease has NO specific end date.
Many think a month-to-month rental agreement refers exclusively to a short-term arrangement. Yet, if a landlord and tenant can maintain a relationship that meets each of their needs, a month-to-month lease has the potential to last for years.
A month-to-month rental agreement is usually offered with an automatic renewal feature. In fact, unless the tenant or landlord gives proper notice to terminate the contract, a monthly lease will renew each month.
How much notice is required to terminate the lease?
The number of days required to give notice depends on the rental unit’s location, plus any relevant lease provisions. Proper notice for a month-to-month lease may mean giving advance notice of 15, 30, 60, or 90 days.
What are the Advantages of a Simple Month-to-Month Rental Agreement for Landlords?
Consider these advantages of a simple month-to-month rental agreement that is offered to landlords –
They offer flexibility not available with a longer-term lease.
Rent prices can be adjusted more with a monthly lease. The past few pandemic years have been characterized by rising rents – driven by a rental demand far outpacing the growth of home supply. (See Harvard University’s JCHS Study 2022) In a market with rising rents, waiting for a lease to expire to modify the rent to current levels can be frustrating.
There is no penalty for ending the lease on the landlord’s timeline. The Spring/Summer selling seasons are the best time to list because of improved weather for viewing potential properties; the weather is better for moving; and a family can move and settle prior to the new school year.
What are the Advantages of a Simple Month-to-Month Rental Agreement For Tenants?
Consider these advantages for tenants.
They can leave the property when they want with proper notice. Often, the very reason a tenant chooses a month-to-month rental agreement is because they can move quickly. If they find a better rental deal, they are only required to give notice.
Short-term tenancies offer peace of mind to some individuals. Many people personally feel trapped by a long-term lease.
What are the Disadvantages of a Month-to-Month Rental Agreement For Landlords?
The landlord assumes the increased risk of a potential vacancy, which may interrupt cash flow. It becomes difficult to anticipate future income when budgeting because of the potential for higher tenant turnover and higher hidden costs.
Finding new tenants on short notice can be challenging, depending on the specific market and conditions. A landlord may make a short-sighted decision and take on a problematic tenant to keep the property’s cash flow stable.
Frequent screening for new tenants and higher maintenance/cleaning costs. This process is necessary but time-consuming.
What are the Disadvantages of a Month-to-Month Rental Agreement For Tenants?
A landlord can end the lease with proper notice. If unprepared and given short notice, a tenant may face stressful situations as they must find new living arrangements quickly.
The terms and monthly rent can change with proper notice.
Short-term rentals tend to have higher average rents because the landlord agrees to absorb the uncertainty or risk of future rent payments.
The Bottom Line on Month-to-Month Apartment Leases
The month-to-month rental agreements that you use must be up-to-date with regard to federal, state, and local housing and property law. When you choose an online, simple month-to-month rental agreement, be sure the agreement complies with the most current landlord-tenant laws.
