Investor · Pittsburgh PA · Member since 2018 · 102 posts · 76 votes
Are there any rentals in Pittsburgh not requiring a lease? I am not sure how long it will take me to find a house but I would rather rent month to month than commit to a year lease. What are the penalties? Can I just find someone to take over the lease?
Handyman · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes
8y
You'll find plenty of landlords willing to rent month-to-month here, but with a hefty security deposit. No, you cannot just find someone else to "take over the lease" in most cases. Landlords prefer to choose their tenants, not have their renters choose their tenants for them.
Investor · Pittsburgh PA · Member since 2018 · 102 posts · 76 votes
8y
@Jim K. finding a replacement renter would of course be subject to the landlord screening. Hefty security? How many x the rent? Would I get any of it back?
Handyman · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes
8y
To be able to get a place with month-to-month, you'd have to go into small C-class rentals run by mom and pop landlords. They'll probably charge you a maximum security deposit equal to first month's rent and last month's rent. So you would have to come up with three months worth of rent to start. In Pennsylvania, security deposits are supposed to be held in escrow accounts. A very large percentage, perhaps the majority, of mom-and-pop operations here simply pocket the cash and never intend to return a cent of it.
Real Estate Professional · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2014 · 18 posts · 3 votes
8y
As Dan said I would look into Airbnb depending on how short short-term is. Also It doesn't hurt to just call on some of the ads and ask. If you pay enough money and pass background checks I am sure you can find someone who is sitting with a vacant property right now that they can't find a tenant for. You are probably not going to get away with not signing a lease though even if it is a short-term one. That would put the landlord in a bad position.
Investor · Pittsburgh PA · Member since 2018 · 102 posts · 76 votes
8y
I understand and I rather be upfront about it. I was told by a management company that I have 2 options: paying 3 months extra or pay until they find someone else. I am comfortable with either options. Thanks