While it is not advisable to advertise your rental as being “COVID Free,” it is a good idea to add information in your property listing that describes the processes you have in place to clean and sanitize the space you will be renting. Cleaning and sanitization guidelines can be found on the CDC website at:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/reopen-guidance.html

In short, let tenants know that you will thoroughly disinfect the rental space before their arrival, using an EPA-registered disinfectant product (peroxide or bleach work best). Be sure that your cleaners wear protective gear while in the rental and focus attention on all high touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, countertops, faucets, drawer/cabinet handles, toilets seats, TV remotes, keys, fobs, etc…

Setting aside some extra cleaning supplies for the tenant’s use is also a good idea; paper towels, disposable gloves, disinfectant cleaner, hand sanitizer and extra hand soap.

If you are sharing space, be sure to communicate your ground rules about things like any required COVID test prior to move-in, social distancing and masking expectations, as well as any cleaning schedule you require. For shared areas, ventilation and fresh air circulation is another good thing, so opening a few windows when appropriate can be helpful.

Additionally, be sure the tenant knows about any local area social distancing and/or masking requirements, as well as any travel related self-quarantine requirements that may be in effect in your jurisdiction.

Rents are typically due in advance. It is best not to allow a person to move-in until they have paid their initial rent, or at least placed a reasonable deposit. Clearly state the amount of rent you will expect to be paid, and exactly when the rent is due. For instance, will rents be due weekly each Friday, or monthly by the first of the month? Determine what happens if you are renting on a monthly basis and your intern's assignment ends in the middle of the month? In this case, rent is typically prorated on a daily basis to cover only the days they occupy your property?

The rental term is completely negotiable. You can agree to sign a lease for a specific period of time (for example from May 18 through August 4), or rent on a month-to-month, or week-to-week basis. If you go the lease route, be sure your agreement includes a lease start date and a lease end date. A lease will lock you into the agreement for a specific period of time.

Month-to-month, or week-to-week terms are more flexible for both parties, and allow you an easy out if things are not working out very well. Again, always be sure to include a start date, and identify exactly when rents are due.

A reasonable security deposit is advisable. This again is completely negotiable, however a modest deposit to cover any damages or unpaid rents is a prudent thing to do. Be sure the deposit amount is spelled out in your agreement. Also, indicate in writing whether the deposit is fully refundable if the place is left clean and undamaged. As a landlord you will typically have up to 3 weeks to refund your deposit. Check your local rental laws. You must give your tenant a written accounting of any deductions you make.

Prepare for your move-out before you let them move in. Are you going to determine a specific move-out date right from the start, or are you going to rent on a month-to-month or week-to-week basis? What if plans change and your tenant needs to leave a bit sooner or stay a bit longer than your lease-end date? It is best to deal with these possibilities up front.

Requiring a "Written Notice to Vacate" is a standard clause in most rental agreements. This notice period typically gives the landlord an opportunity to begin marketing their property before the tenant vacates, thereby avoiding periods of no rent. Do you need a notice period? How much notice is necessary, one day, one week, two weeks, etc...?

However, remember that the notice period works both ways. If you wish to terminate your agreement with the intern, you will be required to provide the same notice period.

Be sure that the utilities section in your rental agreement address all utilities, so there are no surprises after move in. These should include gas, electricity, water, sewer, and refuse collection. Typically you will want your agreement to say that rents include all utilities except ________________________. If the blank is left empty then everything is included. If an exception is made, be sure to spell out how the renters share of the utilities are to be calculated, and provide them an estimate of a typical bill. One approach is to charge an additional flat fee per month for their share of utilities. This way there are no surprises.

A furnished room means different things to different people. Does your room include a closet, what about a clock/radio. Will you provide bedding and towels? Does the room have a window? Are there blinds, or some other window covering? Provide the intern a written itemization of each piece of furniture and item of housewares that will be rented. Have the tenant sign the itemized inventory acknowledging its accuracy. Be sure to let the intern know in advance if there are any additional items they will need to bring or buy.

This area falls under the lifestyle heading. Will your tenant be part of the family and join in family meals, or will they be expected to buy their own food and cook their own meals? Will the intern be allowed a place in the kitchen cupboards and refrigerator to store food? Will you allow the use of your cookware and dishware? These are important things to discuss up front and spell out in your written agreement.

More lifestyle stuff. What are your expectations regarding TV viewing in the evenings and on weekends? Will the intern have their own TV in their room? Will they be welcome to lounge in the living room? Ask about the type of programs they like to watch. Will there be program preference conflicts that you need to be aware of? You need to know these things before they move in.

Is there a washer/dryer on site that they will have access to? Is there any additional cost for using the washer/dryer? Are there any hours of the day that the laundry would be off-limits?

What are your expectations about what rooms they will have access to? What about the yard, pool, hot tub etc…Will you provide the intern with his or her own house key? If there is an active alarm system, how will your tenant gain access to the house?

Will the intern have his or her own bathroom? Will you provide towels? Who is to be responsible for cleaning? Will they have access to cleaning supplies, or be expected to buy their own? Again, spell out your expectations in advance.

Is parking available for their auto, or bike? If so, will it be a garage, driveway, or on street? Will there be any additional cost to park? Will their car need a parking permit?

Ride-Sharing