Handwritten lease legal value??

[Yoann Mamy Randriamihaja]

Hi All,

We are changing apartment for a cheaper one while looking to do our first deal (MF with rehab using an FHA 203k loan).

We found a good rental with a very nice landlord that seems really trust worthy but I'd still like to verify some points with you.

The proposed lease is handwritten as follow (I removed names and address):

"I landlord-name agree to rent apt.-address to my-name beginning date for the sum of $rent a month. Tenancy will be from month to month. With a thirty day notice required to terminate said agreement"

I have several concerns for which I'd like to seek your advice (I'm fairly new to renting in the US):

- does a handwritten lease have any legal value?

- I am asked to pay a 600$ security deposit (which I'm perfectly fine with) that is not mentioned in the lease. I feel like I can just lose it without any recourse possible.

Have you ever encountered this kind of situation?

Thanks for your help!

Yoann

[Jerry W.]

Hey @Yoann Mamy Randriamihaja .  I cannot advise you on your states laws.  Normally it doesn't matter if a lease is typed or handwritten it is just as binding.  It sounds like you have an uneducated landlord who's house is probably paid off and keeps tenants for a long time.  The lease can be binding.  You definitely need a receipt for your deposit money.  This lease is only slightly above the old handshake lease deal.  The problems or lack thereof will depend a lot on the character of the person you are dealing with.