Short-Term Rental Agreement Template

While a short-term rental agreement is not always legally mandatory, lawyers highly recommend it to safeguard both parties involved in a short-term lease arrangement. The contract, also known as a vacation rental agreement or a short-term lease agreement, clearly stipulates the terms and conditions of the lease, the rights and responsibilities of both the tenant and landlord and any penalties for violating these terms.

Misunderstandings or disputes could arise without such an agreement, leading to potential financial and legal consequences. Furthermore, in some jurisdictions and for some online rental platforms, having a short-term rental agreement is indeed a requirement. Therefore, using a short-term rental agreement for protection and clarity is best.

A short term lease agreement usually covers the basics of renting a property for a short time, like a few weeks or months. It protects both the landlord and the tenant.

It typically includes:

You don’t always need a rental application for a short term renatl contract, especially if the stay is brief, like a weekend or a week. In many cases, guests book short-term rentals without the long-term commitment that would require screening. However, for stays longer than a few weeks (typically 3 to 6 months) or for high-value rentals, such as furnished apartments or luxury properties, asking for a rental application can be a smart way to check if a tenant is a good fit.

While not required, a rental application helps protect your property by allowing you to screen for responsible guests. It’s also a useful tool when paired with a security deposit, which landlords can charge even for short stays to help cover potential damages.

A security deposit is a set amount of money paid by the tenant before moving in. It’s held by the landlord to cover any damage, unpaid rent, or rule violations during the stay. If everything is in good condition when the vacation rental agreement ends, the deposit is usually refunded.

You can use Loio’s short-term rental agreement template to quickly and easily generate a professional document that outlines rental terms, rules, and responsibilities. 

Whether you're renting out your property for a vacation stay or a short business trip, Loio helps you build a legally sound agreement in just a few minutes — no legal background needed.

Check the short term vacation rental agreement sample to fill out all sections and get a ready document:

Start by describing the rental property. Mention the type of unit (e.g., apartment, house) and provide the full address.

Include the name and address of the landlord, followed by the tenant’s full name and residence. If someone else is managing the property, you can add their contact information to the short term rental contract template as well.

Set the exact dates when the basic short rental agreement begins and ends. These are the official start and end dates of the tenant’s stay. You can also add a minimum stay requirement if needed.

List the total amount of rent (referred to as the Lease Payment), how it should be paid, and the due date. You may also include a security deposit amount and conditions for refund after the lease ends.

Specify the quiet hours during which the tenant must avoid excessive noise. You can outline any restrictions related to music, gatherings, or parties. These rules help maintain a peaceful environment for neighbors and other residents.

Clarify how many individuals are allowed to stay in the rental. List their names if applicable. This section helps ensure the tenant doesn’t exceed the allowed occupancy or invite unauthorized guests.

You can indicate whether pets are allowed on the premises and under what conditions. If pets are permitted, specify the number and type, and state who is responsible for cleaning and any damage caused.

Describe how many parking spaces are available and where the tenant is allowed to park. Mention any rules about blocking driveways or sidewalks, and who is liable for damage to parked vehicles.

Include the amount of the deposit, when it’s due, and the conditions under which it will be refunded. Typically, the deposit is returned within a certain number of days after the lease ends, provided there’s no damage.

You can also include other provisions such as:

This section lets you customize the template for a vacation rental agreement to fit your specific rental situation.

To run a successful Airbnb or vacation rental, you need to be aware of all the applicable regulations and tax laws.

Tax collection authorities are becoming more aware of how much money hosts are making and striving to make sure they receive their cut as the vacation rental market matures.