AshleyNormal, however you have wide latitude in the actual agreement you agree to sign, how long, how much commission, that’s not to see individual agents have to agree to your terms, but if you feel uncomfortable with the terms you are free to negotiate or shop around, however an agent cannot legally show you a house without an signed agreement of some sort. 

Legal options?

The linked article claims 8 out of every 100 renters are evicted annually, but that only counts tenants evicted through the legal system.

If something goes wrong with the property—like debts or legal issues—your personal stuff is generally safe.

Right now, this type of arrangement is perfectly legal (clinic within SFR neighborhood), but that could always change.

In which case I would worry about legal exposure.

Do not rely on it for legal advice.

In this scenario, I physically couldn't accept Section 8 because the house didn't have a legal rental permit.

If you don't know how to do any of this, I recommend you hire an attorney to help you with the process.Do yourself a favor: buy "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" by NOLO.

All the legal issues came as a RESULT of "The Don" running for office again, and being involved.