Free Short-Term Rental Agreement Template

A short-term rental agreement is a written contract between a host and a guest that covers the terms of a short stay, usually under 30 days. It’s commonly used for vacation homes, Airbnb-style rentals, or temporary housing.

The agreement defines details like payment terms, guest limits, house rules, and check-in/check-out procedures. It helps both parties avoid misunderstandings, especially when the property is being rented repeatedly to different guests.

Use this document to set clear expectations before guests arrive. It protects your property and ensures the stay runs smoothly.

Use this agreement when renting a property for a short stay, usually from 1 to 30 days. It’s most useful if you:

• Manage a vacation rental or Airbnb
• Sublet a space temporarily
• Rent out a furnished home during travel
• Offer housing for work trips, family visits, or temporary relocation

Even if you’re using a booking platform like Airbnb, having your own short-term lease agreement ensures your terms are clearly documented and legally enforceable.

A vacation rental agreement is a short-term rental agreement used for holiday or leisure stays — whether you’re renting out a beach house, cabin, or city apartment on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com.

While booking platforms provide their own terms of service, these don’t replace a direct agreement between you and your guest. Having your own signed agreement gives you greater control over house rules, damage liability, cancellation terms, and guest expectations — and ensures your specific terms are clearly documented regardless of the platform used.

Your vacation or Airbnb rental agreement should include:

• Check-in and check-out times
• Maximum occupancy and guest limits
• House rules specific to your property
• Your cancellation and refund policy
• Security deposit terms

Document Genius’s short-term rental agreement template covers all of these situations. Customize it to your property, download as a PDF or Word file, and send it to guests to sign before their stay begins.

Local regulations for short-term rentals can vary widely, but they generally focus on areas like duration, host requirements, and safety standards. Here are the key things to consider:

• Duration & Frequency: Some cities limit how long you can rent out your property, typically anywhere from 1 to 120 days.
• Host Requirements: In some areas, only the property owner can rent the space, or you may need to be present during the rental.
• Licensing & Taxes: Many cities require hosts to register for a short-term rental license and may charge occupancy taxes, often collected through platforms like Airbnb.
• Zoning & Housing Standards: Short-term rentals might be restricted to certain zoning areas, and your property must meet safety and habitability standards.

Make sure to check your local rules to avoid fines and ensure you’re fully compliant.

Writing down the terms of a short stay protects you and your guest. Here’s how to create a simple, enforceable agreement.

1. Check Local Rules

Before you begin, look up your city or county’s rules. Some areas limit short-term stays, require permits, or charge local taxes. Make sure your agreement follows these laws.

2. Protect Your Property

Short-term rentals carry risks. You may want to update your insurance or form an LLC to limit personal liability.

3. Add Names and Contact Info

List the full names and contact details of both the host and guest. This makes responsibilities clear if problems come up.

4. Describe the Property and House Rules

Include the full address, number of rooms, and what amenities are available. Then outline rules for things like pets, smoking, quiet hours, guest limits, and check-in/check-out times. Add your cancellation policy and any fees for damage or rule violations.

5. Set the Price and Signatures

Write out the full rental cost, including cleaning fees or deposits. State when payment is due and how it should be made. Both you and the guest should sign the agreement before the stay begins.

Tip: Use Document Genius to create and send a short-term rental agreement that fits your local rules and protects your property.

Not always, but they can if a guest refuses to leave after the rental period ends.

In most cases, short-term rental guests are considered “licensees” rather than tenants. This means you may not need to go through a full eviction process in some jurisdictions. However, local laws vary widely.

If a guest overstays or causes issues, you may need to:

• File an unlawful detainer or eviction lawsuit
• Report the violation to local authorities
• Follow local notice and removal procedures

To avoid complications, always document rental dates, guest agreements, and house rules in writing, and keep a signed copy for your records.