Proving that we lived in marital union

[Talo 26]

Hi all!

 

A year ago, I got my green card through marriage and since then I moved to the US and have been living with my wife. I am thinking ahead of time for when I can apply for citizenship. We rent an appartment and our contract is about to expire. The manager suggested that instead of signing another contract we could just keep paying rent on a month to month basis. I don't really know what this means of if this is legal. Do you think that this would pose a problem when proving that we actually lived together? Since we won't have a contract? Are letters mailed to the same address, pictures, chats, etc enough?

 

Thank you!

[HRQX 4,145]

45 minutes ago, Talo said:

Are letters mailed to the same address, pictures, chats, etc enough?

Yes

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

It’s quite common for leases to get extended on a month to month basis.

[Talo 26]

Thanks! I didn't know that this was common in the US

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

1 hour ago, Talo said:

Thanks! I didn't know that this was common in the US

Particularly after an initial fixed term contract, yes. It’s possible that your original lease agreement actually includes a provision for extending like this, some do. 

[Sebat4 77]

You can also sign a new lease (contract) and request to change the wording that will say it's a month-to-month contract. We had done that at our old place, and we also had a note there saying that we can cancel our lease without breaching lease (contract) agreement with 30 days notice to our landlord that we will be moving. I would sign a new lease. Lease protects you from landlord kicking you out when someone shows up and will pay little more. 

[Talo 26]

13 hours ago, Sebat4 said:

You can also sign a new lease (contract) and request to change the wording that will say it's a month-to-month contract. We had done that at our old place, and we also had a note there saying that we can cancel our lease without breaching lease (contract) agreement with 30 days notice to our landlord that we will be moving. I would sign a new lease. Lease protects you from landlord kicking you out when someone shows up and will pay little more. 

Thanks! I'll talk to my manager to get that set up

[sweetadams 138]

On 1/7/2021 at 11:51 PM, Talo said:

Hi all!

 

A year ago, I got my green card through marriage and since then I moved to the US and have been living with my wife. I am thinking ahead of time for when I can apply for citizenship. We rent an appartment and our contract is about to expire. The manager suggested that instead of signing another contract we could just keep paying rent on a month to month basis. I don't really know what this means of if this is legal. Do you think that this would pose a problem when proving that we actually lived together? Since we won't have a contract? Are letters mailed to the same address, pictures, chats, etc enough?

 

Thank you!

As long as the lease is valid with either both of your names or one as a occupant. This should be valid, however for the sake of your peace of mind, you can reword your contract from year to year and change it to monthly with all condition remain the same. 

[AstroCanada 206]

I would recommend not trying to sign a new lease.  Month-to-month is a very valuable status in some places, especially those with rent control.  It's also very common in many cities (LA & the SF Bay Area for example).  

 

Showing your bank statements as part of your proof of financial commingling is more than enough to prove you pay rent

[Jimmytho 9]

Hello I do Real Estate here in US, month to month is a common extension used, keep your original lease it won't be a problem, in case you need more evidence just ask your landlord for an email stating you are living there in a month to month lease.