<prompt> Human: Ive been shopping around for a place to live near where I work for more than a month now, and I finally found a place within my budget and close enough to bike commute.The only possible downside: landlord prefers handshake renting agreements rather than a traditional lease.He did say that the other tenants in the house asked for a lease in case he sells the house or whatever, but I am pretty comfortable with the whole situation because I dont know if Ill be at the company for the next few months or few years.Ive looked up the public records and he owns the place, as well as being a fairly prominent member of the town government so Im not scared this is a scam of any kind.Anything I should be worried about?Assistant: Get a lease or a new place. No one is in this for your best interest so you best be. Human: I figured there might be some tax benefits for himself in not having a formal lease?  <response>: Correct. Hes almost certainly not reporting the income to avoid taxes. He may also be avoiding other regulationscosts like inspection, insurance, and zoning laws. 