Keeping rental properties occupied and profitable requires landlords to stay flexible and strategic. Sometimes, that means exploring different leasing options to attract tenants and reduce vacancies.
One alternative to a standard lease agreement is a month-to-month rental agreement. This type of lease can offer flexibility, but it also comes with potential risks. While some property owners see month-to-month agreements as a way to keep tenants happy and simplify lease renewals, others find that the unpredictability makes managing cash flow and long-term stability more challenging.
Before deciding if a month-to-month lease is right for your property, it's important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks. Our Abingdon property management team is here to help you understand the pros and cons so you can make the best decision for your rental investment.
Pros of a Monthly Residential Lease Agreement
There are certainly some benefits when offering a monthly rental option to your tenants. Here are some of the advantages of month-to-month lease agreements.
You Have More Control Over the End Date
A month-to-month lease agreement gives landlords greater flexibility when managing tenant relationships. Instead of being locked into a year-long commitment, landlords have the ability to adjust their rental strategy more frequently.
If a tenant isn’t the right fit for your property, you’re not tied to a long-term contract. With a month-to-month agreement, you only need to provide the required notice period (usually 30-60 days) to end the lease. This can help landlords avoid the lengthy and expensive eviction process required with fixed-term leases.
You Can Increase the Rent (In Some Cases)
Another benefit of a monthly residential lease agreement is that you can make changes that benefit you as long as you comply with local or county laws. For example, if you find out that you don't have your rent set at the appropriate amount to stay competitive (or maximize your returns), you might be able to increase the rent.
However, consult with a local property manager before making rental rate changes too frequently. In some counties, it's only possible to raise the rent every twelve months.
Although you will be able to make changes to the rental amount, be sure you give the tenant a written 30-day notice about your intentions. If you're unsure about the rental price, the best property management Abingdon offers can assist you with setting the appropriate amount.
Deal With Problem Tenants More Easily
No landlord wants to go through the eviction process. It’s difficult for everyone involved.
However, there may be situations where a tenant consistently fails to pay rent, violates lease terms, or creates disturbances that negatively impact the property and other residents. In these cases, landlords may have no choice but to take action.
With a month-to-month lease, landlords have more flexibility in handling problematic situations. Instead of being locked into a long-term lease, they can provide a 30-60-day notice to end the rental agreement. This allows for a smoother transition without the need for formal eviction proceedings.
That said, landlords must always follow proper legal procedures. In Maryland, for instance, landlords must provide the appropriate written notice before terminating a month-to-month lease. If a tenant refuses to leave after the notice period, the landlord must go through the formal eviction process in court. Handle evictions carefully to avoid legal complications.
For landlords facing challenging tenant situations, working with a professional property management company can help ensure the process is handled legally and fairly.
Cons of a Month-To-Month Lease Agreement
Before offering a month-to-month lease, it's important to consider the potential challenges that come with this type of rental agreement.
Unreliable Tenant Base and Income
One of the biggest downsides to month-to-month leases is the unpredictability of rental income. Unlike fixed-term leases, where you can count on consistent payments for at least a year, a month-to-month agreement allows tenants to leave with as little as 30 days' notice.
This uncertainty can make it difficult for landlords to plan ahead financially. If a tenant moves out unexpectedly, you could find yourself facing a vacancy without enough time to secure a new tenant, resulting in lost rental income. A
Additionally, high turnover rates can disrupt cash flow and impact your ability to cover mortgage payments or maintenance costs.
More Work and Expenses
With a higher likelihood of tenant turnover, landlords must be prepared for the extra work and expenses that come with frequent move-outs. Every time a tenant vacates, you’ll need to handle tasks such as:
- Cleaning and preparing the property for new tenants.
- Marketing the rental and screening prospective tenants.
- Conducting inspections and handling any necessary repairs.
These processes take time and can quickly become costly, especially if turnover happens frequently. In contrast, with a long-term lease, these tasks are typically handled once a year or less, saving landlords time and money.
The Best Property Management Abingdon Offers Helps Owners Apply the Best Lease Terms
Now that you understand the pros and cons of month-to-month leases, you can make informed decisions about what works best for your rental properties.
With the support of RW BW Metro, you don’t have to navigate these decisions alone. Our team provides expert property management services to help you set competitive rental prices, streamline lease agreements, and ensure compliance with local regulations. We offer a comprehensive rental price analysis to guide your strategy and make sure your lease terms align with your investment goals.
Learn more about lease agreements when downloading our free resource, "How To Write a Custom Lease Agreement [A Checklist]!"
