"We used to lose bookings while waiting for signed leases. After switching to e-signatures, guests were able to sign much faster, and confirming bookings became much easier."
Speeding up the lease process is especially important when:
- A rental date is approaching
- You’re fielding multiple inquiries for the same week
The faster you can send, sign, and return a lease, the more likely you are to convert interest into a confirmed booking. Here’s a quick guide to your options:
Requesting an Electronic Signature (Recommended)
The fastest and easiest way to handle a lease is through an e-signature platform. This allows guests to review and sign documents instantly. There’s no printing, scanning, or mailing required.
Popular platforms include:
(There are also free and low-cost options available. Quicksprout offers helpful comparisons.)
Emailing a Lease
If you’re not ready to use an e-signature service, emailing your lease is a step in the right direction—but it can still involve extra steps.
Typically, guests will need to:
- Print the lease
- Sign it
- Either mail it back or scan/email it
While workable, this approach can slow things down, especially if a printer or scanner isn’t readily available.
Scanning and Returning the Lease
Many guests now use their phones to scan documents, either by:
- Taking a photo and emailing it
- Using apps like Genius Scan or similar tools
This is quicker than traditional methods, but still not as seamless as e-signature platforms.
Snail Mail
Some homeowners still rely on mailing paper leases—sending two copies and waiting for one to be signed and returned.
This method:
- Takes the longest
- Can introduce uncertainty due to mail delays
- Isn’t practical for last-minute bookings
For today’s fast-moving rental market, it’s often the least efficient option.
Finding What Works for You
Ultimately, the right approach depends on your comfort level. But if you’re open to it, offering faster, more flexible options—especially e-signatures—can help you secure bookings more quickly and provide a smoother experience for your guests.
For more on streamlining your process, see our post on Online Payment Options for Your Guests.