If you start visiting apartment complexes and viewing apartments for rent, one thing you are likely to notice is that most of the units require a one-year lease. If you do not want to commit to a one-year lease, the only option you have is to search for an apartment that will allow you to rent month-to-month. Finding a unit that offers this may be harder to find, but it is not usually impossible. Before you sign for a month-to-month lease, here are three things you should know.
You will probably pay more per month
Apartment managers prefer one-year leases because they offer consistency for rental income, whereas month-to-month leases are highly unpredictable. Because of this, you should expect to pay more per month for a unit that offers this type of flexibility.
You may end up having to rent a furnished apartment
If you are having problems locating an apartment that will let you rent monthly, you may want to expand your search to include furnished apartments. A furnished apartment is a unit that includes the main types of things you will need for your apartment. This typically includes a couch, chair, bed, dresser, and TV. Some of these units may also include things like kitchen dishes, linens, and towels. Furnished units are ideal for people who travel for work and are stationed in one place for several months, and they are often rented by the month.
Furnished apartments may cost more to rent than unfurnished apartments, but they typically do not require one-year leases.
There will probably be rules relating to moving out
You should also know that when you rent an apartment on a month-to-month basis, you probably will not be able to just move out whenever you would like. Most landlords have rules in place for this purpose, and they may state that you will be required to give at least a 30-day notice before you can move out. In other words, if you want to move out on May 1, you must let the landlord know your intentions by April 1. Make sure you fully understand this rule before you move in so you can follow it accordingly when the time comes for you to vacate the unit.
There are times when monthly leases work out better for people, and there are units available that offer this. To learn more, contact an apartment manager in your area to ask if they offer month-to-month leases. For more information, you will want to contact a company such as Charles L Moles Real Estate Services.