There is no strict legal difference between a rental agreement and a lease agreement, however in some instances a rental agreement, or a periodic tenancy, may refer to a short-term rental contract. The term can be for any amount of time, but month-to-month tenancies are the most common. Each month the tenancy automatically renews for a new term, unless the landlord or the renter ends the tenancy by giving a 30 day written notice. Changes to the terms of the rental agreement can be made by giving the appropriate written notice.
A lease agreement, also known as a fixed term agreement, allows the tenant to rent the property for a set term. The terms are unalterable during the lease unless the tenant agrees to the changes. Unlike a rental agreement, a lease does not automatically renew upon termination. Instead, a lease becomes a month-to-month tenancy if the landlord allows the tenant to remain in the rental unit and pay rent after the lease ends.
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