House hacking, rental agreement

[Colin Sweeney]

When house-hacking do you have the hackee (would tenant be the right word?) sign a rental agreement?  If so, does anyone have any advice on where to get one drawn up or have an example of one that they have used?

Thanks,

Colin

[Bettina F.]

I think there is confusion on this board between a lease and a month to month rental agreement.  As a LL, you can have the same protections (or more) that you get from a lease in a month to month agreement, but NOT be legally bound by the long time-line of the lease.  You need a month to month AGREEMENT -- not a fixed term lease.  You do not want to end up house hacking with a person you cannot stand.  You want the flexibility of being able to issue a notice to vacate if the arrangement goes south.  

Yes, you need a legally binding, written and signed  month to month rental contract.    Put in all the rules you need (that are in accordance with local laws) to make your house hacking experience fair and pleasant for all.  Avoid any verbal agreements -- they will only go against you in court.