Laws on Verbal Rental Agreements: What You Need to Know
When it comes to renting a property, most people are familiar with the written rental agreement. However, verbal rental agreements are also a common practice in some cases, but it can be a bit confusing for both landlords and tenants to navigate without proper knowledge. As a professional, I`ve put together this informative article to help clear up any misunderstandings you may have about verbal rental agreements and the laws that govern them.
Firstly, it`s important to understand what is meant by a verbal rental agreement. A verbal rental agreement is simply an agreement between a landlord and their tenant that is made orally, without any written documents or signatures. It may include things such as the rental price, move-in date, and terms of the tenancy, among other things. Verbal rental agreements can be made in person, over the phone, or even via email or text message.
Now that we know what a verbal rental agreement is, let`s take a look at the laws that apply to them. In most states, verbal rental agreements are legally binding, just like written agreements. However, they can be more difficult to enforce, as there is no written record of the terms of the agreement. This can lead to misunderstandings and disputes if one party fails to uphold their end of the deal.
For this reason, it`s always best to have a written rental agreement, even if you also have a verbal agreement. This way, both parties can refer to the document if there is ever any confusion about what was agreed upon.
In some states, there may be additional requirements for verbal rental agreements to be legally valid. For example, in California, verbal rental agreements for residential properties that are more than a year in duration are not enforceable unless they are in writing and signed by both parties. Always be sure to check your local laws to ensure you are in compliance.
So, what should you do if you find yourself in a situation where you have a verbal rental agreement but no written document? The first step is to try to get everything in writing as soon as possible. This can be done via email or text message, or even by drafting a simple agreement and having both parties sign it. If this isn`t possible, try to document as much as you can about the agreement, such as the rental price, move-in date, and any other important terms.
In conclusion, verbal rental agreements are legally binding in most states, but they can be more difficult to enforce than written agreements. Always try to have a written rental agreement in place, and be sure to check your local laws to ensure you are in compliance. And if you ever find yourself in a situation where you have a verbal agreement but no written document, do your best to get everything in writing as soon as possible.