Leases and deposits
Do I need a written lease, or is a verbal agreement enough?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
A verbal rental agreement is legal in most states for short terms, commonly a year or less, but it is hard to prove what was agreed when something goes wrong. Get the key terms in writing, even as a simple signed page, especially when renting a room from someone you found online.
Verbal arrangements are common for rooms in shared houses and informal setups. They are often treated as month-to-month tenancies, and your state's landlord-tenant law still applies, including rules on deposits, repairs and notice.
At a minimum, write down:
- Everyone's names and the address, including which room
- Rent, due date and how it is paid
- Deposit amount and the conditions for getting it back
- Start date and how much notice either side gives to end it
- Which utilities are included and how the rest are split
- House rules that matter to you, such as guests, pets and parking
Both people should sign and date it and keep a copy. A text or email thread that confirms these terms is better than nothing. If a landlord refuses to put anything in writing, treat it as a warning sign, especially if they also want money before you have seen the room.
Pay rent in a way that leaves a record, and keep receipts. That record may be your only proof of the arrangement.
Want the whole picture? Read Renting Your First Apartment: Applications, Leases and Move-in Costs.