Friend moving in. Make them a tenant or just charge rent?

[joecarey82]

In Washington state.
My friend wants to move into my home and pay $500/month for rent. I'm wondering whats the best course of action. Should I have her sign a rental/lease agreement for a set amount and term or just pay me rent month to month with no contract? Does having a contract make it harder to remove her if needed? If there is no contract can I just make her leave immediately if needed. Which course is best for me?

Additionally, if a contract is the way to go can I have it be a month to month contract?

 

[Zigner]

Having a written agreement is a MUCH better way to do thigns. This makes sure that everyone is on the same page. Your rental agreement can be "month-to-month" or even a shorter term, if you so agree - it doesn't have to be for a longer term. Removing her won't be any harder and, in fact, may be easier, since the terms of your agreement won't be "he-said she-said". In any case, you can't just make her leave immediately. I would suggest you do a web search for your state's landlord/tenant laws and become familiar with them.

 

[xylene]

1st: If there is something about this situation oe person where you have to plan for "immediately removing" someone from your home, perhaps this is a red flag to heed.

2nd: You would be NUTS to not have a written contract.

3rd: If someone moves in to your house for the purpose of establishing residence there, which is what you are talking about, they have tenants rights immediately.

4th: You really need to collect security as well.

 

[adjusterjack]

Your friend will be a "tenant" whether you have a written agreement or an oral agreement.

Best to have a written agreement.

You should also study the WA landlord tenant statute. There are a lot of problems that can be avoided if you both know your statutory rights and obligations:

http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=59.18