Six-month and 12-month apartment leases are typical, but what if you have no way of knowing how long you’ll need to rent? Though it can sometimes be tough to find an apartment with the right options, renting an apartment with a month-to-month lease may be your best bet if you have short-term needs or plans that are up in the air.
Apartment managers want to have a high occupancy rate, and they want to be able to plan for when renters are moving in and moving out, so it’s understandable that most managers do not allow tenants to have a month-to-month lease. New tenants will have the toughest time finding this type of lease when trying to find an apartment, while renters who have been in their apartment for the term of a first lease may actually be presented with the month-to-month option by their landlord when the time comes. Even so, this offer can come at a cost: landlords can increase your monthly rent if you don’t sign a longer-term lease.
It’s different for every place, of course, but factors that may influence your chances of getting to go month-to-month include the current state of the leasing market — how in-demand is your apartment complex? Another factor may be your history as a renter there. If you’ve always been on time paying rent, this could influence their decision.
One thing to keep in mind while you are searching to find an apartment is that it doesn’t hurt to ask. Communicate your situation with your apartment manager and see if they offer a solution you can both agree with. If you’re currently going through an apartment search to find an apartment, be sure to ask about a month-to-month lease, and if the apartment doesn’t offer one, ask what the options are for subletting or even breaking a lease — it’s information that’s very important for a renter to know in order to find an apartment that’s ideal.
If you can find an apartment with a month-to-month lease, it offers tremendous flexibility, but you’ll need to find out the details to your agreement. Many apartment managers will require 30 days notice, or even 60 days notice, before you can move out.
