How to Write a Vacation Rental Contract

Rental contracts clearly define the agreement between renter and homeowner.

Vacation rental contracts are essentially short-term leases drawn up between a property owner and a renter who wishes to use the property for a short period of time, namely the length of their vacation. This document serves as a legal agreement between the two parties and therefore must be carefully worded to protect the rights of all individuals involved. Key parts of the contract include explanation of fees, time the property will be rented and a clear definition of the rates to be paid.

Instructions

1. Download a sample vacation rental agreement to use as a template or reference guide when crafting your own (see Resources) to give you an idea about how to word the agreement properly. Check your finished agreement against a sample to look for missing sections.

2. Include the names of every tenant who is going to stay in the property during the rental period. When the agreement is finished, have every tenant who is listed sign the agreement acknowledging he has read and understands the lease. If the property is damaged and the main tenant is unable to be reached, others can be held responsible for costs owed.

3. Specify the time period of the rental using dates, not a general time frame. Note which day the tenants are permitted to move in and which day they are required to vacate the premises.

4. Write exactly how much rent is due and by what date. Specify how the rent is to be paid to the property owner, and in what form the rent is due. This may include check, cashier's check, money order or cash. Specify the financial penalties in the case of late rent, which could include a cost per day or week.

5. Explain clearly the tenant's responsibilities for maintaining the property during the duration of her stay. These may include lawn care, garbage pick-up or minor house repairs.

6. Include a clause stating the purpose of the home as a vacation rental property. Specify that it is not meant to be used as a business property, location of illegal activity or housing for other than the specified tenants.

7. Ask your attorney to review the lease agreement before you present it to the renter. A lawyer will be able to tell you if a key element of the agreement is missing or if rewording to protect your rights is needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Type your agreement on a computer using a word processing software instead of handwriting a lease. This will prevent any words from being misunderstood, causing legal problems down the road.

References

• Community: Sample Vacation Rental Lease, Rental Agreements & Contracts
• Tahoe Getaways: Sample Vacation Rental Agreement
• EZ Landlord Forms: The Secrets to a Great Lease Agreement
• Rentals Online: Lease Agreement Components

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• EZ Landlord Forms: Lease Agreements