When must a rental agreement be signed by both parties?

A rental agreement should be signed by both parties before the tenant takes possession of the rental unit. This practice serves to establish clear terms and conditions governing the tenancy, including rent amount, duration, and responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant. Having a written agreement in place before the tenant moves in helps prevent misunderstandings and disputes that could arise from verbal agreements or informal arrangements, and it also ensures that both parties are legally protected under the terms of the contract from the very start of the tenancy.

In many jurisdictions, including Oregon, a signed rental agreement essentially acts as a legal document that outlines the rights and obligations of both the landlord and the tenant, fostering a clearer and more organized rental process.