Rental Agreements

[keywestmodern]

Hi. My husband and I are just starting out. We were wondering about Signed Rental Agreements. Is it good to give a tight legal-ese documents or is it better to be on the casual side?

Also, does anyone use a service that enables renters to "electronically" sign the agreement?

In advance, thanks for your advice, Kim

[Margaret]

We don't bother. The guests submit the rental booking from our site and we email back a booking confirmation. But I think a lot of people do go for signed agreements. I am sure others will be here to comment soon.

[Mountain Goat]

We think it makes sense to have an agreement, even if it may not be enforceable. It basically outlines what we expect of guests and vice-versa.

When things go wrong, as they will, it's useful to have something to refer to, especially if there's a security deposit involved.

There are some very sensible, succinct agreements around - ours is over-the-top. If you're non-smoking for instance, think about clean-up costs - we've had this twice over the last winter season. Cancellations can be interesting as well, and your policy needs to be clear.

MG

[Mouse]

We don't bother with signatures either or booking forms...but I do have T&Cs on the booking confirmation/receipt form I email to them and state that payment of the deposit shows acceptance of the T&Cs.

easy-peasy

Mouse
x

[Austria]

When guests make a booking via our website, they agree to the terms and conditions, in making the booking.

Never had to refer to them, but in the event of a cancellation, or late payment, it sets out the obligation on both sides, the deposit acts as an incentive to leave the apartment in good order.

[keywestmodern]

Hi: really appreciate the replies.

Kim

[polly]

Hi I'd send them a booking form with your terms and conditions on and ask them to sign it. It just saves any grey areas so to speak- if people know where they stand before they book, it's probably best, but at the end of the day it's down to personal choice. Good luck!