A handwritten lease can be legally binding if it contains enforceable terms and has both parties' signatures. However, having a typed lease is often more efficient, as it can be more formal and reduce misunderstandings.
CA building code “a room needs to be at least 70 square feet, have an entrance (door), and have an escape (second door/egress window) to be considered a legal bedroom.” You also cannot give another person exclusive use of a space that your lease provides common use of to the existing tenants. Even if they're willing.
Can you write your own tenancy agreement? Certainly. Unless you're an attorney, or have an attorney review it, you probably shouldn't, But you certainly can. If you fail to follow your state/local laws to-the-letter, the agreement may be invalid.
However, a simple room rental agreement ought to have the following fundamental components: Property address. The subtenant's and tenant's details and information. House rules. Rent amount and due date. Room description. Utility costs. Late fees. Lease term.
Template for First-Time Renters Dear Landlord, My name is Your Name, and I'm interested in renting your property located at Property Address. Although I'm a first-time renter, I'm responsible and reliable. I work as a Occupation, and I earn Annual Salary.
How to Write a Lease Agreement Include Parties' Info & Property Details. Specify the Lease Length. Include Rent Payment Terms & Late Fees. Outline Security Deposit Rules. Describe Maintenance Responsibilities. Explain Utility Provisions. Highlight Rules & Policies. Make Mandatory Disclosures.
It is possible to draft your own lease agreement, but you are leaving yourself open to issues.
Here's a list of standard fields that you should include in your lease agreement: Tenant information. Include each tenant's full name and contact information. Rental property description. Security deposit. Monthly rent amount. Utilities. Lease term. Policies. Late fees.
Of course you can make up your own lease agreement and I would advise you to think of every conceivable eventuality and make sure that anyone signing it reads it so they know what it says and agrees before they sign it.