a lease or rental agreement sets out the rules landlords and tenants agree to follow in their rental relationship. every adult who lives in the rental unit, including both members of a married or unmarried couple, should be named as tenants and sign the lease or rental agreement. your agreement should clearly specify that the rental unit is the residence of only the tenants who have signed the lease and their minor children. your choice will depend on how long you want the tenant to stay and how much flexibility you want in your arrangement.