Originally posted by Jonathan Tew:Also you can try checking your local Staples or Office Max they sometime have some to go by as well as rental agreements...I would not recommend this, these are not state specific contracts and are no better than some guru's contracts that are often useless in most States.A contract is something that is legal binding, I would recommend you have your legal bases covered to protect you, a Staples version will not do that for you.

Can this be legal?

Is it legal for me to help pay for some of the repairs and remodeling and then live rent-free for a year or so?

., roofs and boilers and other big items), vacancy, legal costs, CPA costs (you'll have to file taxes in the US and in NY.)What's rental demand like in that area?

Generally that comes with hands on experience, but it could come with your cousin if he going to be generous with his time and guidance.

A legal document would be written absolving me from any obligations.

I called the Justice of the Peace in my county and they said it happens all the time and is perfectly legal.

You did not list a vacancy factor, accounting/legal expenses, advertising etc. unless that is grouped someone in your figures.

What are the legal steps?

You might try Stevens-Ness legal forms.