Legal Question in Business Law in New York
Do I need to have contracts?
I am starting a house sitting business for a side thing to do. I have already checked the NY state department web page, and they do not issue business licenses for this type of business, so I assume I'm in the clear for gettin one of these. However it has been brought to my attention that when I start getting jobs, I should have some sort of contract that I can use for me and a client to sighn, when I'm going to provide my house sitting services, aside from just giving receipts. Is this true? and if so, what kind of contract should I have, what key points should it focus on, who could help me with making such a contract, and what do you think it would cost to have this done? Thanks very much.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Do I need to have contracts?
Yes, I agree that you should have some sort of contract to protect yourself when housesitting. Included should be the amount your are to be paid, the duties you will be expected to perform and -- importantly -- an "indemnification" and "hold harmless" provision for anything that might happen to the house while you are watching it. You might also want to explore obtaining an insurance policy to cover yourself (such as an umbrella policy).
This type of contract should not be very difficult to draft, perhaps a few hours of work, and therefore should run somewhere in the neighborhood of $500 or so. If someone is quoting $1,000 or more, you'd be getting ripped off.
-- Kenneth J. Ashman; Ashman Law Offices, LLC; [email protected]
Re: Do I need to have contracts?
You need to consult an attorney, for both legal and tax advice.
You would be making a big mistake if you did not have a properly drafted contract.
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