Can I legally make rent free to a family on my terms?

Question

I want to provide a family free rent (they pay elect) for 6 months. However I would like for them to go to church and attend a budget class and help arount the complex and save their money so they can be ahead when their 6 months is up. Can I legally make these conditions to the no rent? And can I legally have them sign an agreement so that if they don't abide to the conditions I can bring in another family?

Answer 1

You can do that, but are you prepared to deal with the consequences if they don't live up to your conditions? What will you do if they won't leave your house? You might find yourself tied up in the courts, and I don't think you want that.

You might be better advised to consider just renting the house at going rate, and donate the rent to an approved and well-run charity that does something similar and let them handle it - they know what to do and how to do it right.

Nice thought, though.

Answer 2

Each state has different landlord-tenant laws as well as laws governing what terms one can set in a contract. Each state also has a law that voids a contract should a court find a term of the contract unconscionable. Each state defines unconscionable in their laws.

If the chosen family fails to live up to your terms, you may find yourself forced to go through the eviction process in your state. In some states, it may take as long as six months to finally have the bad tenants removed from your home.

I believe that you may have a problem with the “church attendance” requirement of your proposal. If the chosen family is Jewish, should a contract force them to attend a Christian church? If the chosen family is Christian, should a contract force them to attend an Islamic worship service? If the family is agnostic, should a contract force them to change their personally held beliefs?

If you leave out the “church attendance” clause, and slightly modify the rest of the contract, I believe you may accomplish most of your goals. Rather than allowing them to live “rent free,” I suggest you sit down with the family and go over their income and expenses. Establish a reasonable budget, allowing for necessities and kid-related-expenses that appear out of nowhere. In that budget, include a rental amount that prepares the family for paying rent once they leave your home. Set forth the date the rent payment is due and penalties for not paying on time.

Without their knowledge, put the rent payment into a separate account established for this purpose. As the end of the rental period approaches, assist them with finding an appropriate permanent living arrangement. Perhaps the amount of rent can help them with purchasing a home.

Many people mistakenly believe that buying a home is beyond their financial reach. They believe this because everyone wants to live in the “best” neighborhood, and cannot afford the monthly payments that accompany that neighborhood. If they broaden their search, and understand that they do not need a bathroom for each child, they may find many homes that fit their needs. With the myriad mortgage programs available to low-income families, down payments and closing costs are no longer an obstacle. By requiring the family to pay rent each month, you help them establish a secondary form of credit-worthiness. (Make sure you provide them with a receipt, or keep a copy of the check/money order they use when paying the rent.)

If the family goes into a mortgage understanding that within three to seven years they should have enough equity to “trade up” to a larger house, or a better neighborhood, then they may have more of a willingness to accept the smaller house. By doing this, you will help this family develop a solid financial future, give them the price associated with home ownership, and you pass along some of your moral values. Perhaps in twenty years this family will have the opportunity to do the same for another family.


Good luck!

Will D
Enterprise AL
http://www.notagz.com

Answer 3

Sounds like you have good intentions... But you need to sit down and think this thing through.. You can draw up a contract stating what you just quoted...Now what kind of troubles do they have following them. How well do you know them, there background..There are alot of variables that go with what your quoteing. If you know them and know there background and family. you stand a better chance of them following what you ask... Maybe best way is can they pay you rent?/ If they can then you can just hold onto the money without there knowledge. and then at the end of the six month period. You can hand as little or as much back to them that you want... without any strings attached. There are still ways to help them out just sit and think about it. then go the best way...

Good luck Everyone at one time or another needs to have a helping hand to get out of the hole ....And its really appreciated..

Answer 4

They are going to be tenants, rent or no rent, and as such have rights. You can't force a tenant to attend church or go to classes.

I think your heart is in the right place ... but you need to structure it differently, such as setting yourself up as a non-profit and offering the housing under the terms and conditions of your program. Then and only then will you be able to dictate the terms and conditions of your offer.

Answer 5

you need to form a contract with this family
stating the rules, job description of what is required of them, how often the duties are to be done, the dates and classes you wish them to go to, [i would also have monthly meetings to check their progress of saving money, show savings account balance on a monthly basis,
you can include that if they fail to honor the agreement, you have to give them reasonable time to vacate the house you are letting them stay, [depends on the laws in your state] get legal assistance in forming this contract so you and your rights are covered ]

Answer 6

Big mistake. Your making a big mistake. I tried to help some people and it was the worst experience of my life. Once they take up residnce you will need to use eviction and that could go up to 18 months. Get a brain and stop being so kind. It will blow up in you face. The could have all kind of problems following them. Don't be stupid.

Answer 7

I don't know if it is legal or not, but it sounds like you are really trying to help that family and they should take you up on the offer-i know i would. If you own the property it seems to me you can do what you want . I know they have like 30 days after evicted to get out and all that, but if you want them out and you own it you can get them out.