Basement Rental Question

if its legal for a basement apartment

or you think it might not be legal, but you're doing it because its family

Im asking if a lease or any type of paperwork should be used in order to set guidelines that I wish to address? Their is no gas stove, and their is one entrence, and one exit towards the back yard.

I guess the easy answer is that it is much cleaner and professional to use a standard lease with any addendum to add or change terms to avoid any misuderstandings, later issues, etc. I cannot tell from your question, but the more important question already noted by another is if it is legal in your city or town to have a basement apartment and that it complies with all applicable zoning, building, environmental and fire codes for the city or twon, if necessary. Some areas have been cracking down heavily on illegal units in the basement. Also, if your house does not have other teanants, do you have to change your insurance policy to declare you are now renting a part if it, especially if you have a lease. Just wanted to make sure you ask yourself these questions.

will be legally enforceable if the rental property, in this case, your basement is not up to codes...

if you're just writing it to have an informal understanding with your family, then just any standard lease should work...

valerie