A Guide to Apartment Lease Types

Finding an apartment can be challenging enough, but choosing a lease type and length is a delicate process unto itself.  You’ll be faced with a lot of options, and often with a variety of lease lengths and corresponding rent rates to choose from.  To make your apartment search a little simpler, here is a guide to your basic apartment lease options.

What Is An Apartment Lease?

A lease is a contract between the renter and the landlord that specifies the conditions of the rental, including the services provided during the lease term, the rent amount regularly due to the landlord, and the length of the tenant’s stay.  Remember that lease rules vary from state to state and property to property, so a long-term lease in Arizona may not have the same requirements as a long-term lease in New York.  Likewise, stabilized rent laws will differ between buildings and states.

Long-Term Leases

A long-term lease, or fixed-term lease, is the most common type of contract, usually set for a minimum of one year.  Upon the lease’s expiration, you can choose to leave the apartment (with proper advance notice), live there month-to-month (see below), or renew your lease, sometimes at a special reduced rate (offered as an incentive to renew).  Note that, typically, the shorter the lease, the higher the rent rate.

Month-to-Month Leases

A month-to-month lease, or periodic lease, allows the tenant or landlord to terminate the lease at any time.  Month-to-month leases are generally self-renewing.  Renters can expect the monthly rent rate to be much higher than that of a fixed-term lease.  However, renting month-to-month gives you the flexibility to move out with far less notice than with other lease types.

Subleasing

Subleasing, or subletting, occurs when the original leaseholder rents his apartment to someone not on the original lease.  This is often an option renters choose who travel or who want to leave the apartment early but avoid breaking a lease.  Rules about subleasing vary from apartment to apartment and contract to contract, so if you are thinking about subleasing your apartment, make sure you know what is allowed and what is not.  For example, some apartments will want to run a background or credit check on the potential subletter, while others have no requirements, but will hold the original tenant fully accountable for any missed payments or damages incurred by the subletter.  Likewise, if you want to sublease from a renter, make sure you know what you are responsible for, from bills to apartment behavior.

Additional Resources

15 Tips for Apartment Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricanes can be devastating for you and your apartment. Here are 15 tips for apartment hurricane preparedness to help you stay safe, with ApartmentSearch.
4 Apartment Mold Symptoms That Should Worry You
Your apartment should be the place that refreshes your body and mind after a long day, not a place that makes you cough, sneeze, and wish you were somewhere else. Follow along as we outline the top apartment mold symptoms and the steps to take if you believe you're dealing with a mold problem.
Apartment Fire Safety 101: What to Do Before & After
Don't find yourself without the right information in an emergency like an apartment fire. Learn how to prepare, prevent, and act after an apartment fire.
Apartment Parking Safety & Etiquette Tips
Don’t let apartment parking ruin your day! Read these quick tips and tricks from ApartmentSearch to stay safe and stay respectful in the parking lot.
Apartment Rental Application Process
Don’t sweat the apartment rental application process. Follow these pointers and get the apartment of your dreams, with ApartmentSearch.
Apartment Safety and Security
Feel safe in your own apartment by following these tips on apartment safety and security from ApartmentSearch.
Show More
A Beginner’s Guide to Exploring New York City
Moving to New York City? Here’s our quick and easy guide to living, getting around, and having fun in the heart of the empire state.
A Beginner’s Guide to Oklahoma City, OK
Moving to Oklahoma City? Use our quick and easy guide to living, getting around, and having fun in this southern metropolis.
A Beginner’s Guide To Philadelphia, PA
Moving to Philadelphia? Use our quick and easy guide to living, getting around, and having fun in this historic city.
A Beginner’s Guide To Phoenix, AZ
Moving to Phoenix, AZ? Use our quick and easy guide to living, getting around, and having fun in this event-filled city.
A Beginner’s Guide to Pittsburgh, PA
Moving to Pittsburgh, PA? Use our quick and easy guide to finding an apartment, getting around, and having fun in this historic city.
Advice for Moving to Sacramento, California
Take the stress out of moving to Sacramento with this helpful moving guide. Get tips for renting an apartment in Sacramento, enjoying the city and more!
Show More
Apartment Staging Tips
Staging a model apartment for renters to tour? Use our quick and easy guide to home staging for potential new tenants.
Student Furniture Rental
Want to outfit your new ApartmentSearch apartment with stylish, affordable furniture? Learn more about CORT’s rental furniture options.
The Benefits of CORT Furniture Rental for Military Members
Are you a military service member moving to a new home? CORT Furniture Rental is easy & convenient. Learn more!
What Is the CORT Personal Service Guarantee?
Renting furniture for your apartment? Choose a company that respects its clients. CORT Furniture Rental is dedicated to upholding its Personal Service Guarantee.
Why Rent Furniture Instead of Buying New?
"What's the advantage of furniture rental vs. buying new? Here are some situations in which renting furniture may make more sense for you.

More Like This

5 Tips for Moving Apartments with Kids
Moving apartments can be hectic and exhausting. Add kids to the process and you’ve officially got a zoo on your hands. Make your big move as painless as possible with these FIVE tips for moving with kids, from ApartmentSearch!
Apartment vs House: Which Should I Rent?
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of apartments vs. houses, ApartmentSearch can help! We'll walk you through the pros and cons of renting a house or apartment when it comes to cost, maintenance, flexibility, amenities, and lifestyle so that you can make the best choice for you.
Checklist for Moving to Another Country
Moving internationally? From figuring out furniture to getting health insurance, here's what you need to know to make your move as simple as possible.
Choose the Best Movers
It doesn’t matter if you’re moving for the first time or hopefully the last; if you don’t plan accordingly, relocation can be a logistical nightmare.
For Renters: Tenant Rights & Natural Disasters
What rights do tenants have after a natural disaster like a hurricane or flood? Find out if you're still responsible for paying rent, how renters insurance comes into play, and how you can make your next best move (aka find an apartment) with help from ApartmentSearch.
Furnished Apartment Definition
A furnished apartment isn't a dorm room. It's an apartment that comes move-in ready, typically complete with everything you need to live comfortably during your stay. But what does that mean for your everyday life? Find out, as we dive into the definition of a furnished apartment!
show more
How Much Furniture Is Too Much?
Stumped on how much furniture is enough—or rather, too much? Find out how to determine the right amount of furniture for your lifestyle, with ApartmentSearch.
How to Find a Handicap-Accessible Apartment
ApartmentSearch's guide to finding housing and apartments that are handicap-accessible. Your new home is waiting for you!
How to Get an Apartment with Prior Eviction
Eviction can be frustrating and embarrassing. Use these tips from ApartmentSearch to find the perfect place to live, regardless of prior eviction.
How to Read a Lease for Apartment
Lease agreements can be confusing. Follow along as the pros at ApartmentSearch explain the most important parts of the lease to review when you're a renter.
How to Read Apartment Ratings and Reviews: Can You Spot a Fake?
Learn how to spot a fake apartment review when searching for an apartment. ApartmentSearch offers tips for finding the right place to live.
How to Rent an Apartment with Bad Credit
If you have bad credit, you can still rent an apartment. Find out how to rent with bad credit at ApartmentSearch.
Pros and Cons of Renting a Furnished Apartment
Furnished or unfurnished? Weigh the pros and cons of renting a furnished apartment. Then see how ApartmentSearch can help you find the perfect apartment for you!
Pros and Cons of Renting an Apartment vs. Buying a House
Trying to decide whether you should rent an apartment or buy a house? Use this pros & cons guide from ApartmentSearch to help.
Rent Calculator: How Much Can I Afford?
How much should I spend on rent? If this question is top of mind, check out these 3 ways to determine how much you can comfortably spend on rent, given your current income. No advanced math skills required! Then find the perfectly priced apartment on ApartmentSearch.
Renting an Apartment Without US Citizenship
Renting an apartment in the U.S. when you’re on a visa or Green Card can be confusing! Learn how to rent an apartment without citizenship, with ApartmentSearch.
Renting Apartments and Credit: A Guide to Credit Scores and Reports
Learn more about why apartments check your credit score when you rent and what your credit score means at ApartmentSearch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Furnished Apartment Search
When you’re short on time and need to move into a furnished apartment fast, you don’t have a minute to spare. Follow our step-by-step guide for finding the perfect furnished apartment today.
The Ultimate Apartment Moving Checklist
Make sure your first apartment is stocked with everything you need to cook, clean, entertain, and sleep comfortably. Download and print this ultimate first apartment checklist to get started today! Your friends at ApartmentSearch have thought of everything you'll need, big or small.
Tips for Moving with Pets
Moving can be stressful for you & your pet! ApartmentSearch offers tips to make moving with your pet go more smoothly.
Top Questions to Ask on an Apartment Tour
Ask the right questions on your apartment tour, so you can find the perfect place to live with ApartmentSearch. Check out these top questions to ask.
Townhouse vs. Apartment: Which Should I Rent
Looking for more space, more privacy, and maybe a little patch of grass where you can exercise your green thumb? Then you might want to consider renting a townhouse. Learn the pros and cons of renting a townhouse or apartment, then find the right place for you on ApartmentSearch.
What to Know When Relocating for Work
Relocating for work? The duo could make for serious stress, especially if you need to find an apartment for rent. Check out 5 tips for a smoother move.
What to Look for in an Apartment
Don't get overwhelmed by all of the different apartment options available! ApartmentSearch has put together a list so you know what to look for on an apartment tour.
What’s Renters Insurance? Renter Insurance Guide
If you have questions about renters insurance for apartment dwellers, ApartmentSearch has answers. Get answers on what renters insurance covers, how much renters insurance costs, and how much you might need to pay for renters insurance.
What's Included in Most Furnished Apartments?
Renting a furnished apartment is so misunderstood. Some renters assume a furnished apartment is like living in an adult dorm. Others think furnished apartments devoid of style. Find out the truth from the furnished apartment pros at ApartmentSearch and learn what typically comes in a furnished apartment!
When to Report Your Landlord & Look for Apartments
Did your landlord paint the apartment walls blue, but you wanted green? You can't report a landlord for that. Did they change the locks without giving you notice? You may be able to report them. Find out when it could be time to report a bad landlord and start looking for apartments.
Why Choose International Furniture Rental?
Moving internationally? Choose the CORT Global Network for international furniture rental packages & more. Click here & learn how!