[Firedup6975]

Have my Mothers...well now my house for rent right now. Have been through a dozen interested parties, all with issues. I picked up a standard lease agreement from my lawyer, made copies to give when they come to look at the house. I also tell them if they do decide and we decide they are suited to the house and lease agreement that we will all sit down at my lawyer, just so he can go over everything in the leases agreement so there's no surprises and everything is understood right up front on both sides before signing.
also if the interested party is not married, DO NOT let a boyfriend and girlfriend both sign, ONE responsible party to sign, as should one leave the other may say they are not paying because it was the others responsibility.

They MUST provide written proof to you that they bought renters insurance for the contents of the house.

And as far as pets...in my State atleast with my Homeowners there's a list of Dogs they will not pay should someone get bit on the property. Check into that if you're allowing pets.

First, last month deposit, and a security deposit.

I looked in the local papers to compare other rentals in my area to determine a set monthly amount for what my house is and location.

In my case, rent, utilities, heating oil, septic tank clean out, trash, and snow removal are ALL on the renter. (I'm not getting up at 3 am to get myself out 15 miles away just to get them out) Yard mowing I will be doing as there's 3 acres there.

Anything under $75 repair, is on them...light bulbs etc.

NO cars, or vehicles of anykind that don't run just sitting around.