Summer tenant - who signs the contract?

Question:

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Hi Ken,

     I have a builder who rents a few of his homes here on Long Island each summer and the tenant wants the alarm monitored.  The length of service is usually 6 months or less as the house is rented out for the summer season. 

    Who signs the contracts vs. who pays the bill?   This year it looks like the builder is going to pay the bill, but also may pass along the charge (I’m sure) to the tenant.  What is my best course of action in a case like this?

Thanks

Stephen M

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Answer:

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    The house is occupied by the tenant.  The tenant is going to have the code, set the alarm, and will be relying upon that alarm for security.  The tenant has to sign a monitoring contract as the real end user. 

    The monitoring contract signed by the tenant can state that payment is to be made by the builder.  In that case the builder should also sign the contract.

    Alternatively the builder can sign a separate monitoring contract that states that builder is paying for tenant's monitoring contract. 

    I know it seems burdensome, but you want the builder to sign a monitoring contract because he is paying you and it is his house so he could claim damages if there is damage to the premises. 

    The tenant is the real party relying on the security system and must sign the monitoring contract.

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