If there is no lease should you have to pay a security deposit??

Question

I might be renting a room and they are asking for a one month security deposit but I'm not signing a lease. Therefore can I get it back at any time if I decide to leave? I asked for them to type up an agreement so I wouldn't feel so shady about it and they agreed to, but I still don't feel like I should have to pay one. Is this normal to have to pay one to rent a room lease free??

Answer 1

When someone asks you for a security deposit but doesn't want some sort of written documentation - I certainly would be asking questions, i don't blame you. You can probably prove that you paid a deposit but without a written agreement when something goes wrong later on, it will be hard to prove what it was for. When you rent a room, it is very common to have to pay a security deposit - just like any other apartment or home. rooms work exactly the same way - in fact I consider it lucky that they aren't requiring a lease - to me, this seems more odd.  

Answer 2

If you are not signing a lease it is considered a month-to-month tenancy. They can ask for a security deposit either for cleaning after you leave or to make sure you don't run out owing them money. Sign a tenancy agreement stating the amount you are to pay for the room, the day you are required to pay and make sure it includes the security deposit you paid. Get receipts for everything! If you move and don't owe any money and the room is as clean as when you moved in, they will be responsible for repaying that security and even may owe you interest, depending on what state you are in.

Answer 3

It's very common to be asked for a security deposit whenever you rent real estate.  The landlord has no idea if you will cause damage, and wants some of sort of financial deposit on which to fall back if you damage and abscond.

Answer 4

It is the landlords property, not yours. You do not have a dime in it, so if the landlord wants a deposit, it is his right. If you do not like it, do not move in. There are more shady renters than landlords.

Answer 5

You DO have a lease, a month to month lease and a security deposit is perfectly normal

Answer 6

Even without a written lease, you will have a month to month oral lease as provided, by default, per the landlord/tenant laws of your state.

If the landlord is requiring a security deposit, then in order to be able to rent the room, you will have to pay it.

Just FYI, as a month to month tenant you are required to give proper written notice before moving out. Failure to do so could result in the landlord keeping your security deposit.