What is the best month(s) to start or end leases and why?

Question

I have a duplex that both leases are due to renew in November. I am thinking April or June would be better months. April I feel like there is more tax money for people to get in to rentals. June I feel like school is ending and people have the availability for moving...

Zac Boelkow · Answer

@Rob B. Great advice! I think that’s exactly what I’m going to do. A short lease to get me to the best month for me personally then one years lease after that. 💥

Jay Chang · Answer

May through the end of October are the best months for leases. Among these months, end of school is definitely the best time to have leases, so around May to end of June.

The worse time to have leases is around Winter/Holiday. Christmas and NYE time.

Hope this helps :)

David Barnett · Answer

I don't think a winter time vacancy in Florida (if that is where you are investing) is as bad as in the really cold climates.  Where I invest, a winter time vacancy can be much bigger of a negative (especially when it is below zero).  I try to cycle my units to end at the start of Spring (a few are March 31/April 30th) and then a few are towards the end of Summer (August 31, September 30).

Matt Pastier · Answer

@Zac Boelkow My last 3 vacancies were all in mid to late winter. I didn’t have a problem getting them rented. There’s a lot of variables at play, but if you have a solid way of attracting and placing quality tenants I don’t think the time of year will hurt you.

Dennis M. · Answer

no one wants to move in 10 degree weather . Even the dog doesn’t want to go outside at that point

Bjorik Mutize · Answer

Winter months tend to be tougher. People don't want to move in climate sensitive regions. So for places like where i am, dead periods usually are from October-March, April. You would want a lease locked in to extend through these periods so you have expiration in spring and summer time. Also, getting a lease signed before this time is ideal as well(August, September). I always think school start and end times.

Kenny Dahill · Answer

@Zac Boelkow, this is typically a regional factor; hot vs cold is the biggest termination.

You can go short-term with either a mini-extension or month-to-month.  I'd be prepared in case they decide to move out during your low season.  You could offer a move-in special if the next tenants accept a 18+ lease to help you get back on cycle.

I have the same dilemma with my college rental right now, it's lease has fallen to end of Sept. and I need to push it back into June-Aug for best results.  I plan on offering an incentive if somebody signs either a 9 month or 21 month lease.  Then next year I'll only accept 1-year lease extensions.

Account Closed · Answer

@Zac Boelkow June-September is a good time, not only because of the nice weather,  but also for families moving around to be in a certain school district before the next school year. You can do shorter term leases (6 months or 9 months instead of 1 year) to get on schedule for a June start going forward.

Account Closed · Answer

The best month is winter so your tenant would consider lease renewal before moving.

Amanda Kessler · Answer

Depends where you live and who you're trying to rent to. For example, if it's a summer rental, you'll want to end winter leases in April and summer leases in September.

What is the best month(s) to start or end leases and why?

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