Full Versus Short-Term Leases

There are mainly two types of rental agreementstenants have an easy of mobility, and it's great
you can expect an owner to offer you - a fullfor those who seek flexibility. Many residents in
lease or a month-by-month lease. These leaseslarger cities, like Des Moines, take advantage of a
vary by city and as a rule, full leases are muchmonth-by-month lease during internships or while
easier to find. Month-by-month leases are populartaking classes at area colleges.
in bigger cities and during the summer seasonDes Moines' insurance industry, for example,
when many people travel to another city todraws several students each year to complete
complete an internship or work-study program.3-month internships during the summer months.
Full leases, also known as fixed-term leases, areWhen this happens, the individual won't want to
the most common rental arrangements in whichbe tied into a full lease, so they often opt for a
the lease states the duration of the tenancy. Thismonth-by-month lease in Des Moines Iowa
is normally anywhere from 9 to 12apartments. This is also common for places like
months. When the time is up, the only way toJohnston Iowa apartments, as the nearby area is
continue to occupy your apartment is byhome to several well-known companies and
renewing your lease. In a fixed-term lease, neitherheadquarters.
the tenant nor the owner can modify or end aThe disadvantage to tenants is that owners can
lease agreement before the end of the termchange the rental conditions or raise the rent on a
without the permission of the other party. Fullmonthly basis as they wish. This type of lease is
leases are also a great way to protect tenantshard to come by and they are affected by many
from rent increases during the term offactors such as the time already spent living in an
agreement and protect owners from theapartment, current market demand for other
consequences should their tenant decide to move.apartments in the area of an apartment, and
Renting an apartment on a month-by-month basiswhether or not previous payments were
is ideal for those who may need to remain in theirdelivered on time every month.
current apartment for a few extra months orIt is also important to keep in your mind that
need an apartment for a short period of time.some apartment complexes may charge a slightly
One of the most common reasons for ahigher monthly rate on month-by-month lease
month-by-month lease is that tenants have signedagreements. Also, if you are a first-time renter at
a new lease agreement at another apartment anda particular complex, you may have to sign an
they have to move after one month or so, afteragreement with the management that guarantees
their current lease expires. With most leases ofthe apartment complex at least a few months
this type, the tenant should notify their landlordrent.
within 30 - 60 days of deciding to move so theyKeep the above factors in mind as you're
will have enough time to find another tenant.searching for an apartment and choosing between
The advantage of a month-by-month lease is thata full- or month-by-month lease.