Renting to an intern, especially if you are renting a room in your home, can be an exciting new experience, an opportunity to make new friends, be a mentor, a company Ambassador, and a way to make some extra money. However, if personalities do not match, or expectations are not met, things can deteriorate quickly. This section gives you a few tips on things to consider before you make your decision to rent.

It is always better to put things in writing. A verbal contract may be valid, but hard to prove. Some interns will insist on a written contract - this is good, as it generally means they are approaching this rental in a professional manner. Your written agreement should address any of the following terms that are applicable.

We recommend that you create two original documents, and have both parties' sign and date both copies. Each party then keeps one of the original copies. Electronic signatures and fax signatures are generally acceptable, however you can always snail mail the documents back and forth if you wish.

You can either create your own agreement, or modify a standard rental agreement form to suit your needs. Click here to access rental agreements available online:

Legal Forms - Rental Agreements - Credit Screens - Dispute Resolution

• What about COVID?
• How much rent will you charge?
• How long of a rent term will you require?
• Will you require a security deposit? If so, how much is reasonable and will it be fully refundable if there are no damages?
• Will you require a written notice of intent to vacate?
• How much advance notice to vacate is reasonable? A day, a week, a month?
• Does the rent include utilities? If not, how is your tenants' share to be calculated?
• Does the rent include furniture? If so, provide your tenant an itemization of each piece.
• Does the rent include access to sheets, towels and other housewares?
• Will you allow cooking privileges in your kitchen?
• Will you allow access to cookware & dishware?
• Will you allow your tenant to place food in the reefer & cupboards?
• Will you allow access to the living room to watch TV?
• Will you allow access to the laundry room?
• Is there anyplace in the house or on the grounds that will be off-limits?
• Will you provide your tenant their own key to the house?
• Will your tenant have their own bathroom?
• Who is responsible for cleaning your tenants room & bathroom?
• Are cleaning supplies available, or will the intern need to buy their own?
• Is the intern's room air conditioned in the summer? Heated in the winter?
• Is parking available?
• Are there ride-sharing opportunities?
• Will your tenant have access to a telephone, or be required to install their own?
• Will you allow an additional phone line to be installed in the intern's room?
• Will you allow shared access to the internet?
• Can your intern setup internet access in their rented room?
• Is there anything that you will charge extra for?
• Are there any household chores that you will expect your tenant to perform?
• Clearly communicate any "House Rules" that you expect to be followed?
• If there is an alarm system? How will you deal with your tenants access?
• Will you allow your intern to have guests?
• Will you allow your intern to play their music?
• Will your intern's room be their "private space?"
• What if things do not work out? Should you consider an "early out" or mediation clause in your Agreement?

Talk about lifestyle issues before you decide to rent. Are there any "red flags" that might make you incompatible housemates? Remember that you will have a full-time roommate living with you. Although you are the owner, you will need to be considerate of the feelings and concerns of your tenant. Make sure you talk about things like thermostat settings, quiet time, party activities, smoking rules, pets, etc...