Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey
Lease law
If a superintendant does not pay any rent to the landlord but resumes repair throughout the property; should there be a lease or some form of contract given?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Lease law
There does not have to be a lease; many people live as renters without a lease. If you are living rent free in exchange for making repairs and receive no other compensation the landlord probably takes the position that you are not a tenant and that the living on the premises is pursuant to your employment. It might be wise for
you to ask the landlord what amount of rent he would rent the apartment for. Thia would give you a basis for claiming that you are a tenant
for a specific amount of rent which you satisfay by doing whatever repairs you do. I would think that you do occasional, minor repairs and that outside firms would be hired for major repairs.
Call me if you like, tomorrow.
Gary Moore, Esquire
Hackensack, New Jersey
www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com
Re: Lease law
We always recommend to our landlords and property management clients that they use a lease for employees that reside on premises. It is typically a customized lease form that we prepare based upon the nature of the employment and the type of property. It is ALWAYS best to have a written agreement. Bruce E. Gudin, Esq. www.lep-lawyers.com