contract/lease for lodgers?

[running_gerbil]

I was wondering if you can actually have a legal contract for a lodger in your home that you can hold a renter to, such as the ones renters sign when they rent an apartment. I know in CA the lodger law states that you can evict them with shorter notice, but what if they leave sooner than planned, can I hold them to a specific contract length and force them to pay through and honor their contract, or would one even be legally binding since they are living in my home?

Thanks.

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

This article may help...

http://www.dca.ca.gov/publications/landlordbook/whois.shtml

How much notice must be given (on the part of the landlord OR the lodger) is dependent on how frequently the rent is paid. If paid monthly, a 30 day notice is required; if weekly, 7 days.

Gail

 

[running_gerbil]

Thanks! But what if there is a contract. Can they be held liable for the remainder of the rent through the end of the contract if they break the lease early? Or does it even matter?

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

How long is the contract for?

Gail

 

[running_gerbil]

Say a year, and they leave six months into it. Can I hold them to the rest of the 6 months? or can they just give 30 days notice under that lodger clause?