For your protection as well as that of your clients, it is important that you establish a leasing agreement which details the terms of your rental. It should include all important information, but need not be longer than one page in length nor be weighed down with legalese.
The agreement should include the following:
- Contact information for both parties
- Arrival and departure dates, check-in and check-out times, and penalties for failing to meet these times.
- All charges due, including your rates, taxes, security deposit, cleaning fees, or any other fees you may have in place, as well as due dates for these fees.
- Cancellation and refund policies, described in detail, as well as policies for children, pets, smoking, utilities, telephone use, linens, damages, parking, etc.
- Maximum occupancy and bed types and quantities.
- Possibility of maintenance workers appearing at the home for routine upkeep
The agreement should be signed by both parties and a copy given to the tenant. If you have a website for your rental, it is a good idea to include a sample leasing agreement for potential renters to view prior to booking. Knowing your policies upfront may influence renters to book with you over your competition who sends his through snail mail. |
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