Allowing renters to rent without signing lease -- good idea?
I am new to the Houston, TX area and have been looking at some private rooms to rent/sublease and some landlords/subleasors don't require signed leases from tenants (just for them to pay month-to-month). I assume this is a tenancy-at-will agreement and that is completely legal.
My questions:
1. What are the downsides to tenancy-at-will agreements?
2. What are the upsides to tenancy-at-will agreements?
3. Do tenants on tenancy-at-will agreements have the same exact rights as tenants who sign leases?
4. Do tenancy-at-will agreements allow tenants more flexibility in what they do in the building?
I am actually planning on renting a private room in Houston and am not sure if renting on a tenancy-at-will agreement is better for me than having to sign an actual lease. Will a tenancy-at-will give me more freedom and less restrictions with the same tenant rights as if a signed a written lease? Also, do I just write the landlord/subleasor a check with the property address and month on the check as payment? I just don't want to be giving up any rights as a tenant by renting on a tenancy-as