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What Is the Difference Between Rent and Lease?

June 3, 2024


If you’re looking for a new home, you’ve probably come across two terms that sound similar: “lease” and “rent.” You’ll often hear these terms used interchangeably, but they represent two distinct things when it comes to the type of legal arrangement you have with your landlord. While there are some parallels between these two types of residency, there are numerous differences that can help you decide which is best for you.

Learn the differences between renting and leasing an apartment, the advantages and disadvantages of each, and the questions you should ask yourself before choosing one over the other.

Rent vs. Lease

A lease is a contract that allows a renter to occupy a space for a set period of time, usually 12 months. A lease, on the other hand, could last from a few months to 24 months, depending on the demands of the renter and the landlord’s judgment.

On the other hand, a month-to-month rental arrangement is when a renter uses a space for a set period of time.

The difference between the terms “for lease” and “for rent”

A leased apartment is one that requires a renter to sign a lease agreement stating that they would stay for a set period of time, pay the same amount of rent each month, and provide adequate notice of their intention to leave at the conclusion of the lease agreement. Continuing the lease necessitates a new lease agreement with all new provisions, including a new rent amount, new start and end dates for the agreement, and any additional modifications to the unit since the prior lease agreement.

A rented unit is one in which a tenant can sign a contract allowing them to stay as long as they like, as long as the landlord permits it. A rental agreement includes many of the same features as a lease agreement, such as a specified period of time (such as one full month), a fixed rent amount, regulations concerning moving out early or on time, and other terms and circumstances of occupying the unit. Unless the landlord or the renter decides otherwise, a rental agreement usually renews at the end of each month.

The following are some more similarities between rent and lease:

While the legal agreement distinguishes a “for lease” rental unit from a “for rent” rental unit, landlords are more likely to use the phrase “apartment/house for rent” rather than “for lease.”

Also Read: Tips On How To Rent An Apartment Out of State

What Is the Difference Between Rent and Lease?

The advantages and disadvantages of leasing

Here are some reasons to lease rather than rent:

Leasing has some disadvantages, including:

Also Read: Question To Ask Before Renting An Apartment

The advantages and disadvantages of renting

Consider the following advantages of renting rather than leasing:

Consider the following disadvantages of renting:

Also Read: Rental: Tips for First-Time Landlords

Which should you choose?

To evaluate if you should lease or rent a space, ask yourself the following questions:

While leasing may be the best option for you right now, you may find yourself needing to rent in the future, or vice versa. That’s why it’s critical to understand the distinction between these two phrases when looking for a new property and before signing a new lease with a landlord.

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