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These are guests. Period.
No contract need be made. Since zero mutual exchange is being done. Clearly they aren't paying rent or providing a service in return for tenancy.
Your insurer will be able to provide some guidelines on guest liability.
Footnote: beyond a 30 day stay , then yes get something in writing.
First off-- I'm sorry for the loss of your brother.
Everyone else has some good points, OP-- what would be the benefit for them in moving states, etc.? Do they want to ultimately live where you live, or do they want to stay in (return to) FL (as someone else said, might be a bit difficult to make the move twice, especially if they're looking for work in FL and would be giving your NC address on a job application?)? What is their plan for moving "up and out" of your house? On what time frame? If they're not self-sufficient in that time, is there another family member who could/would take them in? Have you talked with them to set "house rules" and figure out things like who will contribute what, who will do what chores, how you will handle conflict, how you'll handle noise and going out late (or staying up late/getting up early) and having people over, what in the house is theirs to use and on what terms ("I don't mind if you use the treadmill, but please clean it when you're done, and I use it every day between 5 and 6"), etc.? Why are they facing eviction and what is their financial situation-- were they unemployed and your brother was the only one working? Did he have life insurance? Do they have a lot of debt that took his assets? What happens if you need them out and they still can't afford to live on their own?
Recently my brother died from the virus. He lived in Florida. Because his wife and grown child face eviction and other serious money issues we invited them to come and stay with us. This has got to be only a short visit because of my own health reasons. Question is could I have a legal problem in several months if I ask them to move out . We live in NC. Do I need a signed agreement ? We are trying to be very nice right now and dont want to hurt her feelings , but I dont want any "legal issues" telling me later who can live or not live in my house. thanks
One book I've seen recommended many times is "Boundaries"- it helps people deal with needy friends and relatives while minimizing damage to their own loves and finances.
I'm also reminded of an interview I just heard with Michele Singletary, who writes the syndicated "The Color of Money" column. I've always liked her common-sense advice. She and her husband have money in their budget to help people but they always want to work with them and make sure they have a plan and that it's not a permanent dependency. An Aunt wanted help because she couldn't pay her mortgage. She sat down with her, looked over her income and expenses and told her the mortgage was unsustainable and she should sell her house. The Aunt found a government-backed program that let her refinance at easier repayment terms.
Maybe the OP could work with them to make a plan for them to get jobs, apply for social programs, etc. rather than take them in. I agree with the others- they're unlikely to want to leave if they're comfortable.
I agree with the others- they're unlikely to want to leave if they're comfortable.
Or, unlikely to be able to leave if they're not self-supporting, even if they want to. I have a friend who took in an acquaintance after her fiance suddenly dumped her and said "be out of my house by the end of the week." It was supposed to just be until she found another place. A few months later, my friend was slowly realizing the acquaintance couldn't afford to move out on her own... couldn't afford rent all by herself.
I am having trouble processing "short visit" and "several months."
Having had people live with us for 1) one month, 2) 3 months free then increasing monthly rent (ended up being 6 months), 3) indefinitely (ended up being waaaaay too long and painful and hella annoying but she did move out, at the most inconvenient time, of course) 4) indefinitely (MIL... we are her permanent address for the forseeable future):
You need to set all expectations clearly at the beginning. Time limits, contributions (financially and around the house), ground rules (cleanliness, chores, groceries, quiet hours, regular roommate stuff), etc. to limit the stress, complications, and potential damage.
I am very sorry for the loss of your brother. You are a kind and generous person to be offering this to his family.
My question is why would she want to live with you, the brother in law, instead of her own family?
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