dimbulb

Hi,

Agreed to move into a house where I'll be housemates with the landlord. He seems like a cool guy, but I'm thinking that a lease will protect both his and my interests.

He wasn't planning on a lease, but we were thinking of some sort of written document or something.

What should be in the 'lease'?

thanks a bunch...

torgone

A lease is a very good idea, even if your landlord "seems like a cool guy." There are generic lease forms available at the library or on the internet. The main thing is to spell out the rental agreement, payment terms, etc. You need protection from being kicked out with no notice, and having your stuff confiscated. He needs protection from you stiffing him on the rent or trashing the place. A legal document is necessary so that everthing is clear.

__________________
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read."
Groucho Marx

hotdogg

Hey Dimbulb,

I am a Real Estate Broker...Each state has different laws and regulations governing leases...Go on line to the Real Estate Governing Agency for your state and get all the info you need...In New Jersey the Real Estate Commission is Under the Insurance Commission and issues a booklet on Tenants Rights, as well as laws governing leases:
IE: Security Deposits, Evictions, Uninhabitable Premises, etc.

Just make sure that you and your belongings are protected.

nirol

You definitely need a lease to protect against arbitrary action by either party. You should also work out some ground rules on other items as you will be room mates too. These dont need to be in the lease but you should work out some ground rules just out of courtesy.
You need to establish how to deal with guests. I shared a house with a guy, two weeks into it his girlfriend spent the weekend and never left. She only went home to get her clothes and check her mail. I was paying one half of the water and utilities for the use of 3 people. She also was an alcoholic and would drink everything in the house but the rubbing alcohol. And no, he wouldnt even let me get "benefits" for my hospitality to her.

__________________
'Tis better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)

nirol

Sorry,
Forgot to mention you can get a Lease Contract from any apartment complex, just go by and act like you would be interested in living there, take the Lease with you to fill out at home, and use it as a guide for you and the landlord.
Good luck

__________________
'Tis better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Samuel Johnson (1709 - 1784)

dailyjo2003

Don't go to a real estate agent - go to an attorney and have them draft a lease.