{"id":369287,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-is-the-difference-between-a-month-by-month-lease-and-a-fixed.html"},"modified":"2023-12-11T17:10:51","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T22:10:51","slug":"what-is-the-difference-between-a-month-by-month-lease-and-a-fixed","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-is-the-difference-between-a-month-by-month-lease-and-a-fixed.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Difference Between a Month-To-Month Lease and a Fixed-Term Lease?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is the Difference Between a Month-To-Month Lease and a Fixed-Term Lease?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

In month-to-month leases or short-term leases, the lease renews every month. In a fixed-term or long-term lease, the lease renews at the end of the lease. Many residential leases<\/a> run for one year and are often renewed annually.<\/p>\r\n

Depending on your needs as a renter, you may prefer a month-to-month tenancy or a fixed-term lease. Each has advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\r\n

This article explores the pros and cons of a month-to-month lease and how this type of lease works.<\/p>\r\n

Month-To-Month Leases<\/h2>\r\n

Month-to-month leases are an attractive option for anyone with short-term rental needs. This type of lease offers the tenant great flexibility since they will not pay a penalty or lose a deposit<\/a> if they want to move.<\/p>\r\n

It also offers the landlord similar flexibility, such as rental income for a short period. An example of a month-to-month lease is a short-term condo rental in Florida during winter. In this type of rental, the property owner gets income during the off-season, and their tenants get a break from harsh winters.<\/p>\r\n

Month-To-Month Rental Agreements<\/h3>\r\n

Often, the landlord and renter agree to the terms of the lease<\/a> orally, but a month-to-month lease agreement<\/a> is preferable. A written lease is a legal document, and it offers more protection to all parties to the lease. In a dispute, the written lease should help resolve the dispute.<\/p>\r\n

A written month-to-month rental agreement should include:<\/p>\r\n