Skip to Content

Tenant Choices: Evaluating Short-Term and Long-Term Rental Options

Property manager hands out keys to tenants after signing the lease.Renting a new home in Knoxville includes a number of important decisions. One of the essential choices is whether to opt for short-term or a long-term rental. Due to the uniqueness of each renter’s circumstances, there is no universally applicable solution. It involves weighing the pros and cons of each lease type and selecting the one that best suits your needs, granting you the ability to control your living situation.

Pros and Cons of a Short-Term Rental

A short-term rental usually has a lease agreement of six months or less. One common short-term rental is a month-to-month agreement, in which the contract renews monthly. But there is an assortment of short-term rentals, even some with terms that continue weekly. A short-term lease is ideal for renters who need a lot of flexibility. They usually allow you to stay only a short while or move out quickly, should your circumstances change. There is also a higher chance that a short-term rental will include internet service and utilities, although such amenities vary depending on location.

Nevertheless, there are some drawbacks to short-term leases. Due to the regular renewal of your lease, your landlord can raise the rent, modify their policies or lease conditions, and make other changes more frequently. Short-term rentals are typically more expensive than long-term rentals, primarily in locations where short-term rentals are in high demand. If you reside in a popular vacation area or college town, you may see more competition for short-term rentals compared to long-term rentals, which usually drives the rates up.

Pros and Cons of a Long-Term Rental

You can effortlessly avoid the downsides of a short-term rental by opting for a long-term one. Moreover, there are numerous benefits to engaging in such actions. The most common lease length for long-term rentals is one year, although, in certain regions, leases can be for multiple years at a time. As a renter, long-term rentals can offer more stability in your monthly rates and lease terms. After you have signed a long-term lease, the terms of that lease generally remain unchanged. Typically, the landlord won’t be able to raise your rent or implement any modifications to the agreement until it’s time to renew. Long-term rentals are typically more affordable than short-term rentals simply because it is more cost-effective for a landlord to lease their property for years at a time.

Still, long-term leases can have a few shortcomings. Once you’ve signed a long-term lease, terminating it can be challenging and costly. The conditions will change, but it is common for landlords to demand an extra month’s rent plus forfeiture of their security deposit if you want to end your lease early. That can make moving to a new rental home very problematic. It can also prevent you from lowering your housing costs, should you need to do so. It’s crucial to consider that numerous long-term rentals may not include additional services or sometimes even appliances. Generally, you will be responsible for bearing the cost of utilities, internet, and necessary furnishings.

Equipped with a thorough comprehension of the pros and cons of both short-term and long-term rentals, it’s necessary to meticulously consider your situation and the anticipated future. If your plans entail staying in one place for a while, a long-term rental may be the most suitable option. On the flip side, short-term rentals are often the better alternative if you are doubtful about your future location. Regardless, being aware of your choices can make your choice easier and you more informed.

Real Property Management Marble City delivers a variety of rentals in Knoxville and its vicinity. Based on your requirements, we can provide an ideal solution for you. Call us today at 865-265-0535 or check out our rental listings for further details.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details