Short-Term Rental Agreement Template

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Updated May 11, 2024
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A Short-Term Vacation Rental Agreement is a legal contract between a property owner and a guest outlining stay duration, fees, and rules. It is used by Airbnb hosts and vacation property owners to protect their property and set guest expectations.
VACATION (SHORT-TERM) AGREEMENT

This Vacation (Short-Term) Lease Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into on   (the "Effective Date") by

 , an individual having their usual place of living at   (the "Landlord"), and 

 , an individual having their usual place of living at   (the "Tenant"), collectively referred to as the "Parties" and individually as the "Party".

SUBJECT OF THE AGREEMENT. The Landlord agrees to lease the Premises specified in this Agreement (the "Premises") to the Tenant in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth herein. The Tenant undertakes to make the lease payment and other payments specified in the Agreement in the amount and within the timelines provided. The Tenant shall also return the Premises to the Landlord, in accordance with the Agreement conditions, upon termination or expiration of the Agreement.

PREMISES. The Premises are described as   located at  . 

LEASE TERM. This Agreement begins on   (the "Start of the Lease Term") and ends on   (the "End of the Lease Term") (altogether the "Lease Term") unless otherwise terminated by either Party upon  -day written notice to the other Party. The Tenant must obtain written approval from the Landlord to extend the Lease Term beyond the End of the Lease Term. The Tenant shall vacate the Premises upon termination of this Agreement unless otherwise agreed upon in writing by the Landlord. 

PROPERTY INSURANCE. The Landlord agrees to provide insurance for the Premises. The Tenant is strongly encouraged to purchase the Tenant's insurance to protect their personal property and provide personal liability coverage. The Tenant acknowledges that the Landlord's insurance policy does not cover any personal property belonging to the Tenant, and the Landlord shall not be liable for any loss or damage to the Tenant's personal property.

POSSESSION. The Tenant shall have full possession of the Premises during the Lease Term specified in this Agreement subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

If the Landlord fails to provide the Tenant with full possession of the Premises by the Start of the Lease Term, the lease shall be abated for the duration that the Tenant is unable to occupy the Premises. In such a case, upon notice to the Landlord, the Tenant may terminate the Agreement at any time during which the Tenant is unable to take possession of the Premises. The Landlord must immediately return to the Tenant all the amounts paid to the Landlord for the Premises.

MINIMUM STAY. The minimum stay on the Premises is  , except as otherwise agreed upon in writing by the Parties.

QUIET HOURS. The Tenant agrees to observe the quiet hours between   and   daily. During these hours, the Tenant shall not disturb the quiet enjoyment of the Landlord or other residents of the surrounding area of the Premises. The Tenant shall not make excessive noise, including but not limited to loud music, parties, or shouting. The Landlord reserves the right to terminate this Agreement and immediately evict the Tenant if the latter violates the rules of silence.

 

OCCUPANTS. The number of occupants is limited to   individuals. Only the following person allowed to reside inside the Premises:  . The Tenant shall be responsible for ensuring that the number of occupants does not exceed this limit. When determining the total number of occupants, the number of adults in the group shall be taken into account. If the number of occupants exceeds the limit, the Landlord has the right to take any necessary actions, including but not limited to charging additional fees, terminating the Agreement, or evicting the occupants.

 

PAYMENT PROCEDURE. The Tenant agrees to make the full lease payment of   (the "Lease Payment") on or before   (the "Due Date").

If the Tenant fails to make payment in full by the Due Date, a late fee of   will be charged per each day of payment delay. If the payment is not made within   days of the Due Date, the Landlord may terminate this Agreement, and the Tenant must vacate the Premises immediately.

All payments will be made on or before the Due Date in cash.

UTILITIES. The Landlord shall be responsible for providing the Premises with necessary utilities, including but not limited to electricity, gas, water, and the Internet. The Tenant shall use these utilities in a reasonable manner and shall be responsible for any excessive misuse as determined by the Landlord. The Tenant shall not be liable for any utility bills related to the Premises incurred outside of the Lease Term. In the event of an interruption or failure of utilities during the Lease Term, the Landlord will use commercially reasonable efforts to restore such utilities promptly.

SECURITY DEPOSIT. The Tenant shall pay a security deposit of   to the Landlord upon execution of this Agreement. The security deposit shall be held by the Landlord to secure the Tenant's faithful performance of this Agreement and cover any damages to the Premises caused by the Tenant or the Tenant's guests during the Lease Term, including but not limited to damage to the furniture, walls, appliances, flooring, and fixtures. The security deposit shall be refunded to the Tenant within   days after the end of the Lease Term, provided that there are no damages to the Premises and the Tenant has complied with all the terms and conditions of this Agreement. 

PETS. Pets are not allowed on the Premises without obtaining prior written consent from the Landlord. Only   pets are allowed.If any damages to the Premises are caused by the pet, the cost of repairs or replacement will be deducted from the security deposit.The Tenant is responsible for cleaning up after the pet inside and outside the Premises. The Tenant shall keep the pet under control and shall not allow it to disturb the peaceful enjoyment of the neighbors.

PARKING. The Tenant has access to   parking spaces on the Premises. The Tenant agrees to park only in the following areas:   and should not obstruct driveways or sidewalks. The Landlord is not responsible for any damage to the Tenant's vehicles parked in designated areas.

FEES AND DISBURSEMENTS. In addition to the Lease Payment, the Tenant shall be responsible for covering any fees and charges associated with the use of the Premises, including but not limited to utilities, cable television, the Internet, and telephone charges, and for any damage or loss of property caused by the Tenant or the Tenant's guests while on the Premises. The Tenant shall also be responsible for paying any fines or penalties imposed on the Tenant by any governmental authority for any violation of the law that occurs on the Premises during their stay. Any fees or charges incurred by the Landlord as a result of the Tenant's breach of this Agreement shall be the Tenant's responsibility and shall be paid immediately upon the Landlord's demand.

MOVE-IN INSPECTION. The Tenant shall inspect the Premises upon taking possession of them and notify the Landlord of any damages, defects, or other problems within   days from the date of entry into the Premises. The Landlord shall immediately eliminate the detected defects.

If the Tenant fails to notify the Landlord of any problems within   days from the date of entry, the Premises shall be deemed in good and satisfactory condition at the time of possession, and the Tenant shall be liable for any damages or defects discovered later.

TRASH. The Tenant shall dispose of all trash and recyclables in the designated containers provided by the Landlord and follow any recycling guidelines provided. Trash or debris must not be left outside designated containers or in common areas. The Tenant will be responsible for any fines or fees due to improper disposal.

WARRANTIES AND LIABILITY. The Landlord makes no warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, with respect to the Premises or their condition. The Tenant acknowledges that the Premises are leased in their original condition, and the Landlord shall not be liable for any defects, losses, or damages arising from the condition of the Premises.

The Tenant agrees to indemnify and hold the Landlord harmless from and against any claims, losses, or expenses arising from the Tenant's use or occupation of the Premises. The Tenant shall be solely responsible for any damage caused to the Premises during the use thereof and any repair or replacement necessary to restore the Premises to their original condition, except for normal wear and tear.

USE OF PREMISES AND ILLEGAL ACTIVITY. During the Lease Term, the Tenant shall use the Premises solely as a private residence. The Tenant shall not use the Premises for any illegal activity or permit any illegal activity on the Premises.

The Tenant shall be responsible for ensuring that all people visiting the Premises with the Tenant's consent also comply with the terms of this Agreement.

Any violation of this provision shall be deemed a material breach of the Agreement and may result in immediate termination of the Agreement and/or legal action.

FORCE MAJEURE. Neither Party shall be liable for any failure to perform or delay in performing the obligations under this Agreement if such failure or delay is caused by events of force majeure, including but not limited to acts of God, war, terrorism, strikes, lockouts, labor disputes, pandemics, epidemics, governmental regulations, or any other similar causes beyond the reasonable control of the affected Party.

In the case of force majeure, the affected Party shall immediately notify the other Party in writing and provide reasonable proof of the cause of the delay or inability to perform the obligations. The Party affected by force majeure shall endeavor to mitigate the consequences of such circumstances and resume the performance of obligations as soon as possible after the circumstances cease to exist.

If the force majeure circumstances last more than   days, either Party may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the other Party. In this case, neither Party shall be liable to the other Party for any damages arising from the termination of this Agreement.

GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of  , except for its conflict of law principles. Any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or its breach shall be exclusively resolved by the courts of the State of  . The Parties hereby submit to the jurisdiction of such courts and waive any objection to venue in such courts.

CONFIDENTIALITY. The Parties agree to keep all information disclosed during this Agreement confidential and not to share such information with any third party unless required by law. The Parties agree not to use the confidential information for any purpose other than what is necessary to fulfill their obligations under this Agreement.

This Confidentiality clause shall remain in effect after the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

SEVERABILITY. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

 

WAIVER. The failure of any party to enforce a particular provision of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of their right to enforce that provision in the future.

 

ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations, or discussions, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. Any amendments or modifications to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both Parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

THE LANDLORD

THE TENANT

 

 , USA

 

_________________________

(Place for signature)

 

 

 

 , USA

 

_________________________

(Place for signature)

 

 

Written by Megan Thompson - Reviewed by Jonathan McGill

Is a Short-Term Rental Agreement Mandatory?

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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.

What’s Included in a Short-Term Rental Agreement?

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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:

  • Start and end dates of the rental;

  • Rent amount and payment schedule;

  • Security deposit details;

  • Rules about using the property;

  • Responsibilities for cleaning, utilities, and damages;

  • Conditions for renewing or ending the lease.

Do I Need a Rental Application for a Short-Term Rental Contract?

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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.

What is a security deposit?

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.

How Do I Create a Short Term Rental Agreement?

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:

1. Property information

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

2. Landlord and tenant information

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.

3. Lease term

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.

4. Payment details

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.

5. Quiet hours and house rules

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.

6. Occupancy limits

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.

7. Pets

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.

8. Parking arrangements

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.

9. Security deposit

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.

10. Additional terms

You can also include other provisions such as:

  • Cleaning responsibilities;

  • Lost key replacement;

  • Property inspections;

  • Guest cancellations.

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

State Law

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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.

State Law
Alabama
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
Alaska
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Arizona
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Arkansas
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
California
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required in certain cities.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Colorado
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required in certain cities.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
Connecticut
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required, however, special local permits may be required in certain cities.
State Law
Delaware
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Florida
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Georgia
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
Hawaii
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities and counties.
State Law
Idaho
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required, however, special local permits may be required in certain cities.
State Law
Illinois
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities and villages.
State Law
Indiana
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but certain permits are.
State Law
Iowa
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
Kansas
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Kentucky
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but the city permit is.
State Law
Louisiana
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Maine
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Maryland
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Massachusetts
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but registration and annual certification are required in certain cities.
State Law
Michigan
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Minnesota
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Mississippi
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but the city permit is.
State Law
Missouri
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but the license application and approval are.
State Law
Montana
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Nebraska
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Nevada
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required in certain cities.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
New Hampshire
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but permit is.
State Law
New Jersey
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required in certain cities.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
New Mexico
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT but permits in certain cities are.
State Law
New York
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required in certain cities.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
North Carolina
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
North Dakota
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but certain cities may have local regulations and requirements.
State Law
Ohio
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but permits in certain cities are.
State Law
Oklahoma
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Oregon
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Pennsylvania
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Rhode Island
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but state registration is.
State Law
South Carolina
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but specific conditions apply.
State Law
South Dakota
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license may be required in certain cities.
State Law
Tennessee
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required.
State Law
Texas
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is required in certain cities.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
Utah
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Vermont
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Virginia
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but registration certificate is.
State Law
Washington
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required in certain cities.
State Law
West Virginia
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but business certification is.
State Law
Wisconsin
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is required.
State Law
Wyoming
  1. Written short-term rental agreement is NOT required.
  2. Vacation rental license is NOT required but permits in certain cities may be required.

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