Can I have 2 separate leases for the same unit?

Question

Is it legal to have 2 separate renters sharing the same unit in Lowell Ma? Would be separate leases for the same unit. If anyone has information on this subject please let me know. Thank you!

Kevin Sobilo · Answer

@Philip Doherty, that should not be an issue. It is very common all over the country to rent by the room especially for college rentals.

I would be clear to specify each tenant's private space in the lease as well as the shared public spaces and house rules.

Shannon Strickland · Answer

@Philip Doherty

I just did a quick search and found this, https://www.masslegalhelp.org/housing/lt1-chapter-15-rooming-houses.pdf, but it appears to be focused on properties with four or more leases, or Boarding House Agreements, in one building.

In my boarding house, two tenants are living in two separate bedrooms, each with their own boarding house agreements.

But…

I highly recommend that you hire a local real estate attorney to review the lease or boarding house/rooming house agreement that you create. Many attorneys offer an initial consultation at a reasonable price, where they will review and advise on the document you upload after paying. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you're following the law with the help of a local expert, instead of relying on hearsay.

Shannon

Alecia Loveless · Answer

@Philip Doherty I’ve done it both ways with 2 separate tenants on one lease and two leases for 1 unit.

Mose Gebremeskel · Answer

Yes, you can have 2 separate leases for sharing the same unit.

Clara Arroyave · Answer

This can be considered a SRO or Single Room Occupancy and you can have a separate lease per room.

Be mindful of including lease duration, whether utilities are included or not, and how maintenance requests are handled as well.

Also include if the room is furnished, type of payments required, and damages responsibility if any.

Lowell has UML as the main source of tenants/rentals so its primed for house hacking or lease by the room.

Happy to assist further if needed.

Can I have 2 separate leases for the same unit?

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