Help with a question regarding a lease application

[Paul Tibok]

Hello BP.  I am filling out a form for my tenants to get a lease created and there is a question I am not sure about.  This is exactly what it says.  "Regarding associations: Is there an applicable association rule that either prohibits a month-to-month tenancy or creates a one lease per year restriction or some other similar restriction?"  I'm assuming this is talking about HOA's?  I am the owner of a duplex which is not under any type of HOA.  Any advice or explanation would be greatly appreciated. Sorry I know this probably seems like a newbie question but I am one.  I just want to be sure I am doing this correctly as the lawyers office is closed and I really want to get this done tonight.   

[Marcia Maynard]

The best tenancies start with open and honest and clear communication. A stellar lease or rental agreement is key. We prefer month-to-month agreements because they can be adjusted as needed and make it easier to end a tenancy if the tenants don't work out.

That said. First you need to know the landlord-tenant law for your jurisdiction. Then obtain or create a rental agreement that complies with landlord-tenant law, fair housing law, non-discrimination law, and other applicable laws.

Are you planning to use a standard lease agreement you obtained from elsewhere? Where is it from and why did you choose it? Is it a good fit for your type of property? Often prepackaged rental agreements don't serve the landlord or tenant well. Take a look at a variety of rental agreements used in your area for similar type properties. Look for examples of best practices, property rules, rental agreements, legal notices, etc. Some good landlording books give examples. There are examples here on BP too.

I uploaded some of our documents in the BP file place that you might find helpful. Go to Tools > File Place > Other Documents > and look for documents authored by me as far back as 2014. If you see something that would work for you, feel free to modify it for your own use.

All the best!