Mike: I did a lease for a set time period. It was a month or two longer than I would have preferred, but I found great tenants and worked with them.
We wrote the lease through June, but agreed orally that we would check in once spring came, and see if we wanted to change it. We ended up sticking with the original plan.
One thing that helps is that I have other rental properties. I am not new to being a landlady. I don't think I would recommend renting if you have not done it before. There is a steep learning curve, and it is extra work if you are not staying in town. You could get a management agency, but that comes with its own problems.
