Month-to-Month Rentals: A Guide + How to Find Them [2025]

Month-to-month leases are an agreement between a landlord and tenant that renews at the end of every rental period. Continue to learn more.

A month-to-month rental is a lease that automatically renews every month until either you or your landlord ends it, usually with 30 to 90 days’ notice. These flexible, short-term agreements are great if you’re moving soon, testing out a new city, or not ready to lock into a year-long lease.

Discover how this unique living option fits into your rental journey through our comprehensive guide.

Month-to-Month Rentals: A Complete Overview

What Is a Month-to-Month Rental?

A month-to-month lease—also called a “periodic tenancy”—is a rental agreement without a fixed end date. Instead, it renews automatically every month until one side gives notice to end it.

Unlike long-term leases, month-to-month agreements give renters freedom to leave sooner without hefty penalties. Some tenants even stay for years this way, as long as both sides are happy.

How Do Month-to-Month Rentals Work?

Here’s the simple version: your lease renews each month until you or your landlord decide to stop it. To end the agreement, either party must give official notice.

• Notice period: Usually 30 days, but sometimes up to 90 depending on state law.
• Flexibility: Renters can leave sooner; landlords can adjust rent or reclaim the unit.
• Key takeaway: Know your notice period—it’s the rulebook for how fast you can make a move.

How to Find Month-to-Month Rental Apartments Near You

Finding flexible rentals isn’t as tricky as it seems:

• Use Apartment List. Take our quiz, select “month-to-month” under lease terms, and we’ll match you with apartments that fit.
• Ask directly. Even if a listing doesn’t mention flexible leases, message the landlord through our platform and ask.

Month-to-Month Inquiry Template

Pro Tip: Use this message template when reaching out:

Month-to-Month Rental Inquiry Template

Hello!

I am writing to express my interest in the apartment available at [Property Address] as I believe it would be a great fit for me. I am particularly interested in finding a flexible leasing arrangement, and I wanted to inquire whether you offer month-to-month leasing options. If month-to-month leasing is available, I would be grateful to hear more about the terms, rental rates, and any specific requirements you might have.

Additionally, I would be happy to provide you with any necessary information or references to facilitate the application process. Please feel free to contact me via email at [Email Address] or by phone at [Phone Number] to discuss the leasing options further or to schedule a viewing.

Thank you for your time.

Best, [Name]

Why Are Month-to-Month Rentals So Popular?

Month-to-month leases have grown in demand because renters’ lives are more mobile than ever.

• Gig and remote work rules the day: About 36% of U.S. workers identify as independent (freelancers, contract workers, or gig workers), and by 2025, 22% of the workforce is expected to be fully remote at least five days a week. For renters, that means less pressure to stay put, as flexible leases make it easier to chase opportunities wherever they come up.
• Americans move a lot: The average American moves five to six times between ages 18 and 45 and nearly 12 times over a lifetime. Month-to-month rentals are designed for this mobility
• Life changes fast: Job shifts, breakups, or moving in with someone new can change your housing needs overnight. Month-to-month leases give you breathing room without locking you into a situation that no longer fits.

Pros and Cons of Month-to-Month Rentals

Before you sign, make sure you understand the pros and cons of a month-to-month lease.

What Are the Advantages of a Month-to-Month Lease?

• Added Flexibility: A monthly rental agreement keeps your life more flexible, and you’ll avoid penalties for breaking a traditional lease early.
• Limited Penalties: There are few, if any, penalties and fines when you terminate a monthly lease and move on.
• Good Path to a Full-Time Lease: If you have bad credit or an eviction history, month-to-month leases can be a great way to develop a relationship with a landlord while minimizing their risk in renting to you. Once you prove you’re a quality, reliable tenant, it’s often easier to convert to a full-time lease.
• Less Financial Risk: Month-to-month leases minimize financial risks by avoiding the hefty penalties often associated with breaking long-term lease agreements.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Month-to-Month Lease?

• Expensive Rent Prices: Renting on a month-to-month basis is generally more expensive than signing a traditional lease. Many apartments that offer month-to-month rentals will present you with a tiered pricing structure based on how long your lease is. The longer the lease, the more affordable your apartment usually is.
• Risk of Lease Termination: Flexible lease terms allow your landlord to eliminate your contract provided they give you the legally required termination notification. While a full-time lease could ensure that your apartment remains yours for a year or more, both parties in a month-to-month lease are allowed to terminate in the short-term.
• Rent Instability: When you sign a short-term lease, you may find yourself dealing with rental instability and raises in your rental costs.
• Fewer Tenant Protections: Month-to-month leases often provide fewer tenant protections, making renters more vulnerable to sudden changes in lease terms.

Understanding these pros and cons helps in deciding if a month-to-month lease is right for you.

Types of Short-Term Rentals

Not all short-term rentals look the same. If you’re exploring flexible housing, here are the most common options:

• Month-to-month leases: Apartments that renew every month until you or your landlord give notice.
• Corporate housing: Fully furnished apartments aimed at professionals on temporary assignments.
• Sublets: Taking over someone else’s lease for a limited time, often until their contract ends.
• Vacation rentals (Airbnb/VRBO): Good for very short stays, but usually more expensive for long-term use.
• Extended-stay hotels: Provide hotel-style convenience with longer booking options, but often lack the “home” feel of an apartment.

A month-to-month lease sits in the sweet spot: more affordable than hotels, more stable than subletting, and without the hefty price tag of vacation rentals.

Things to Look Out For When Renting Short-Term

Short-term flexibility comes with a few watch-outs. Before signing anything, double-check:

• Rent price: Short-term leases are usually more expensive per month than year-long agreements.
• Notice period: Know exactly how much time you’ll have to move if the landlord ends the lease.
• Rent increases: With less stability, landlords can raise rent more frequently.
• Tenant protections: Fewer in some states for short-term leases, meaning less security.
• Furnishings + fees: Some short-term rentals include furniture, but tack on higher deposits or cleaning fees.

Bottom line: read the lease carefully and ask questions up front.

Is a Month-to-Month Lease Right For You?

This type of lease is ideal if you’re:

• Relocating for work or testing out a new city
• Waiting on a home purchase or renovation
• Going through life changes like marriage, a new baby, or a breakup
• Simply not ready to commit to 12 months in one place \

If any of these sound like you, flexibility may outweigh the higher rent.

How Do You Terminate a Month-to-Month Lease?

Terminating a month-to-month lease requires giving a formal notice to vacate letter, typically 30 days in advance, although this can vary based on local laws. It's crucial to adhere to the specific legal requirements in your area, including the method of delivering the notice - be it via mail, email, or in person. Ensure you have proof of this notice being received. After delivering the notice, we advise arranging a final apartment inspection to discuss the return of your security deposit and address any potential deductions.

This streamlined process ensures both parties—landlords and tenants—can conclude their lease agreement amicably and legally, avoiding any unnecessary complications. Always review your lease agreement and local laws for the most accurate guidance.

Let Apartment List Help You Find a Month-to-Month Rental

Now that we’ve answered “what is a month-to-month lease” is, you can decide if the flexibility is worth the trade-offs of higher prices and potential rent instability. If you’re already renting, you can speak to your current landlord about changing from a long-term to a short-term lease or take ApartmentList’s quiz to find the perfect rental for you.

Month-to-Month Lease FAQs

Are Month-to-Month Apartment Rentals Expensive?

Yes, a month-to-month lease is typically more expensive than a 12-month rental agreement. Some landlords that offer short-term leases also have a tiered rental system based on lease length, with the longest leases providing the most savings (and the shortest leases commanding the highest rental prices).

Can Landlords Raise the Rent on a Month-to-Month Lease?

Yes, one of the drawbacks of a month-to-month lease is that rental price can be subject to increase. In most cases, a landlord can raise your rent to reflect market rates with a 30-day notice if you are on a month-to-month lease.

What Happens if I Don't Give Proper Notice when Terminating a Month-to-Month Lease?

Failing to give proper notice may result in penalties, such as being responsible for an additional month's rent.

Does a Month-to-Month Lease Need to be Signed Every Month?

No, month-to-month leases automatically renew every month until one party legally terminates the lease.

What Is Another Name for a Month-to-Month Lease?

A month-to-month lease is also known as a short-term lease or short-term rental agreement.

What Is Periodic Tenancy?

Periodic tenancy is a leasing arrangement with no specified end-date. Month-to-month leases are often an example of periodic tenancy. The renter can renew indefinitely as long as the landlord does not wish to terminate the agreement (and vice versa).

What Is Tenancy-at-Will?

Tenancy-at-will is an arrangement between a landlord and tenant with no contract that can be terminated at any time. It differs from most traditional month-to-month leases in that there is no written contract between the landlord and tenant.