All Forum Posts by: Andrew Hoefling

Al Williamson, that is really good advice. When I was a renter I read through the New York State Landlord-Tenant Laws time and time again. I actually have a hard copy in my office to read through every now and then when I had concerns of what my landlord was doing and if it was legal.

That being said, I have a very good understanding of the laws. The problem I am facing is there isn't much about landlord-tenant relationships where the landlord and the tenant live in the same dwelling. I'm also not sure how to properly word a lease with the right wording to protect myself and have it hold up in court.

I decided to call a landlord-tenant lawyer about this and see if he can help me draw up a proper lease.

Steve Babiak Thanks for referencing that thread. I've actually read through most of that already and wanted some more advice and help.

Elizabeth Colegrove that is a great idea and I plan to come up with a roommate agreement. How well does a roommate agreement hold up in court? If I make an addendum in the lease stating "The lease is void if any articles are broken in the attached roommate agreement." Would that cover that portion?

My biggest fear is I'm going to be in hot water if someone doesn't get along with me and I have to kick them out and they refuse to leave. Granted I'm going to heavily screen people.

I guess my current plan is to take the New York State standard lease, add a bunch of items into it that I want. I'll then share it with a lawyer that might be able to help me flush out everything so it can be held up in court.

My last question is a general landlord question. Does anyone recommend a good way to screen tenants in terms of background check and credit check.

Thanks
-Andrew

I'm interested in renting a single room in my single family house. I already have a roommate that lives with me but I've known this person for years and they are clean and respect my house. My current roommate/tenant has a gentleman's agreement with me. In short I have a lot of trust in my current roommate/tenant. I'm looking to find someone to rent another room so I can live mortgage free.

I've been looking around for anyone that does this sort of thing and how they write their lease. I understand what I am looking for in personality and living habits which is not my problem. I'm scared that if I don't properly document the living arrangement with this 'stranger' I might run into problems. My next step would be going to a lawyer to help draft a lease but wasn't sure if anyone had any advice.

Thanks
-Andrew