Short Term Rental Agreement Form Template

A short term rental agreement is a contract between a host and a guest that establishes the terms of a stay — including dates, rental rate, house rules, damage policy, and any other conditions both parties are agreeing to. It defines expectations before arrival and provides a legal basis for resolving disputes if they arise.

Platform booking confirmations don't constitute a comprehensive rental agreement. A dedicated agreement spells out house rules (quiet hours, pet policy, maximum occupancy), damage deposit terms, and liability limitations that platforms don't cover. If a guest causes damage or violates your terms, a signed agreement is your primary documentation.

A solid rental agreement covers both practical terms and house rules. Consider including:

• Guest name and contact information
• Property address and unit description
• Check-in and check-out dates and times
• Total rental fee and payment terms
• Security deposit amount and conditions for return
• Maximum occupancy and guest policy
• Pet policy
• Smoking policy
• Rules for noise, parking, and shared amenities
• Cancellation policy and process

The form can document the deposit amount, conditions, and agreement to the terms — but the actual deposit collection should happen through your payment processor. Include clear language in the form specifying when the deposit will be returned and what deductions can be made. Attaching move-in and move-out condition photos to the agreement helps establish a baseline.

In most jurisdictions, yes — electronic signatures carry the same legal weight as handwritten ones under laws like the E-Sign Act in the US and equivalent legislation elsewhere. The key is that the signature is tied to an identifiable person and that there's a record of when it was executed. Typeform captures submission timestamps and can be paired with a dedicated e-signature tool for additional legal robustness if your market requires it.