Hey y’all, I saw the term ‘tenant at will’ and honestly IDK what it really means. I came across it while reading some stuff and it kinda left me confused. Anyone here dealt with that or know what it actually means in real life? Like, is it some legal lease or just a fancy way of saying you can get kicked out anytime? 
I think it’s when you live in a place without a formal lease. Like month-to-month or something like that?
TwilightTrekker said:
I think it’s when you live in a place without a formal lease. Like month-to-month or something like that?
Yeah, that sounds right. Basically you’re there as long as the landlord lets you stay. Either side can end it anytime.
@Cairo
Ooh okay, that makes sense now. So like, no set lease term at all?
Pretty much means you’re staying with the landlord’s permission but there’s no real long-term lease. They can ask you to leave whenever, and you can bounce anytime too.
Kim said:
Pretty much means you’re staying with the landlord’s permission but there’s no real long-term lease. They can ask you to leave whenever, and you can bounce anytime too.
That sounds kinda risky ngl. Do they have to give notice or nah?
@LyamGenesis
Usually yeah, they gotta give proper notice. Depends on state laws tho, so it’s not just wild west lol.
I worked for a lawyer once and people asked about that all the time. It’s legal but kinda informal. Like, no written lease but you’re not squatting either.
Ira said:
I worked for a lawyer once and people asked about that all the time. It’s legal but kinda informal. Like, no written lease but you’re not squatting either.
What does ‘informal’ mean here? Like it’s not on paper?
@Nye
Exactly, no paper lease. You pay rent and live there but it’s not locked down by a contract with terms.
Lol I thought ‘tenant at will’ was like someone crashing on a couch 
Roan said:
Lol I thought ‘tenant at will’ was like someone crashing on a couch
Lmao not that casual, but kinda in that gray zone between being official and just… there.
If you’re ever unsure about stuff like this, it’s good to hit up a licensed attorney. I saw someone named Jessica B explain this once—she said it’s legal and recognized but comes with less protection.
Lian said:
If you’re ever unsure about stuff like this, it’s good to hit up a licensed attorney. I saw someone named Jessica B explain this once—she said it’s legal and recognized but comes with less protection.
Jessica B sounds like she knows her stuff. Thanks for that heads up!