Are leases unnecessary?

[Matthew Silvestri]

So I finally did it; I just closed on my first four unit last week! I'm going to be house hacking and am so excited and eager to get going on the business side of things. But I have a question that I was hoping to get cleared up. At the closing table I heard from my lawyer and loan officer that they don't bother using a lease! I was shocked. I thought this was always done? When I asked why, they said it was just considered a month to month, with each payment almost acting as the lease. Also, if they had any issues it was easier to evict the tenant, not needing to pry over technicalities... Do any of you guys do this? It sounds pretty appealing honestly. I would consider it as long as I could still get a security and of course be doing things legally. What do you think?

[Scott L.]

An attorney suggesting no written lease even if month to month? A verbal agreement better than even a boilerplate written lease? I suggest speaking with a different attorney.

Yeah....don't you remember when you said me and my old lady and our 5 emotional support Rottweilers could live here for free and if you don't pay our utilities...I'll evict YOU! Just 'cause you own it doesn't mean you get to live here.