Long-Term Stay: What You Need to Know About Renting for Months or Years

When you’re planning a long-term stay, a rental arrangement lasting six months or more, often with a formal lease. Also known as extended rental, it’s not just about finding a place to live—it’s about securing stability, avoiding hidden costs, and knowing your legal rights. Unlike short-term rentals, a long-term stay means signing a contract, dealing with landlords who expect consistency, and planning for things like rent increases, repairs, and move-out conditions months ahead.

A lease agreement, a legally binding document that outlines rent, duration, responsibilities, and penalties. Also known as rental contract, it’s your main protection—and your biggest trap if you don’t read it. Many people skip reading the fine print and end up paying for things they didn’t agree to—like cleaning fees, pet deposits, or even utility bills buried in small text. In places like Virginia, landlords can raise rent with notice, but can’t kick you out mid-lease unless you break the rules. In Baltimore County, there are limits on how many people can live in a rental based on bedroom count. And if your landlord in Maryland enters your home without warning? That’s illegal. Your rights depend on where you are, but the rules are clearer if you know what to look for.

Then there’s the security deposit, a refundable payment landlords hold to cover damages or unpaid rent. Also known as damage deposit, it’s often the most disputed part of a long-term stay. In Virginia, landlords have 45 days after you move out to return it—or explain why they’re keeping it. If they don’t, you can take them to small claims court. But in other states, the timeline and rules change. And don’t assume your deposit is safe just because you paid it. Document everything: take photos when you move in, keep receipts for repairs you make, and get written confirmation for any verbal promises. A long-term stay isn’t just about the rent—it’s about protecting your money, your time, and your peace of mind.

You’ll also run into things like income limits if you’re applying for help. Section 8 in Virginia has strict caps based on household size and location. If you’re over the limit, you still might qualify for other programs—just not the ones you expect. And if you’re thinking about buying instead, remember: making a profit on a rental property usually takes 3 to 7 years. That’s not a quick win. It’s a long-term game. Which is why knowing how to pick the right place, negotiate the right terms, and understand what’s legally yours matters more than ever.

Below, you’ll find real examples of what goes wrong—and what goes right—in long-term rentals. From how many people can legally live in a Baltimore County house, to what disqualifies someone from public housing in Virginia, to how to get your security deposit back when your landlord won’t cooperate. These aren’t theoretical guides. They’re real situations people face every day. And the answers? They’re right here.