When should I use a Short-Term Rental Agreement?
Any time you rent out a property, a written agreement helps protect both sides. Short-term stays are no different. A Short-Term Rental Agreement sets clear expectations and helps prevent disputes over payment, damage, or house rules.
If you're hosting through an online platform, check the platform's rules before asking guests to sign your own agreement. Some platforms have guidelines about what host contracts can or can't include.
For example, Airbnb allows hosts to use rental contracts, but you must disclose the contract to guests before they book.
Airbnb also has its own ground rules that apply to every stay.
VRBO allows host-created agreements too, though any house rules you set for your property on VRBO take priority over the contract.
What's included in a Short-Term Rental Agreement?
A Short-Term Rental Agreement covers many of the same terms as a standard Lease Agreement. Your contract should include:
- Information about the lessor and guest
- The rental dates and check-in/check-out times
- Which parts of the property the guest can use
- Rent, payment method, and any security deposit
- House rules, guest limits, and cleaning duties
- Maintenance responsibilities and termination notice
Keep in mind that platform policies can limit certain terms. For example, Airbnb generally doesn't allow hosts to collect security deposits directly, since damage claims go through the platform.
How do I create a Short-Term Rental Agreement?
You can use LawDepot's Short-Term Rental Agreement to create your contract in minutes.
Choose a default template that lets you fill in guest details later, or build a contract for a specific guest from the start.
Your agreement should include the following information:
Step 1: Property information
Start with the location and a description of the rental property. If you have a short-term rental license, include the registration number. You can also note whether you'll attach photos of the property after printing.
Step 2: Lessor information
Add your name and contact details as the lessor. You can list more than one lessor if needed. If a property manager looks after the rental for you, include their contact information here as well.
Step 3: Guest information
If you're creating the agreement for a specific guest, add their full name, phone number, and email. List any additional guests, and set rules for visitors and maximum occupancy.
Step 4: Lease details
Enter the lease start and end dates. Choose how rent is charged (daily, weekly, or monthly), set the amount, and explain how the guest will pay, whether directly to you or through a rental platform.
Note if rent is due before the stay and whether you'll collect a security deposit. You can use a Rent Receipt to document each payment.
Step 5: Check-in, check-out, and fees
Set the check-in and check-out times. If you allow late check-out, describe the terms and any extra charges. Add a cleaning fee if you charge one.
Step 6: Amenities and services
Describe the amenities and furnishings available to guests, such as appliances, linens, or kitchenware. Include parking details and how guests will access the property. If you offer extras like breakfast or internet, mention them here.
Step 7: Rules and responsibilities
Outline your rules on smoking, vaping, pets, parties, and quiet hours. Note any maintenance the guest will handle, such as snow shoveling or basic cleaning.
Specify how many days' notice you must give before ending the lease without cause. If both parties agree to end the rental early, you can use an Early Termination of Lease agreement.
Step 8: Environmental disclosures
Federal law requires lessors to disclose known lead-based paint hazards in properties built before 1978. Many states also have disclosure rules for asbestos and other hazards, so check your local requirements.
Step 9: Dispute resolution
Choose how you and your guest will handle disagreements:
- Mediation: A neutral party helps you reach a compromise outside of court.
- Arbitration: A neutral third party decides the outcome outside of court.
- Mediation then arbitration: If mediation fails, the dispute moves to arbitration.
You'll also decide how to split the costs of the process.
Step 10: Additional information
Wrap up with terms for lost key replacements, walkthrough inspection reports, and your cancellation policy. A Rental Inspection Report helps you document the property's condition before and after the stay. You can add other clauses here, though most hosts won't need to.
Short-Term Rental Agreement FAQs