Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the most common questions about casual agreements, boundaries, and arrangement terms.
Are casual agreements legally binding?
Generally, no. Most casual agreements lack the formal elements required for legal enforceability (like consideration, proper execution, or compliance with specific statutes). However, writing things down still helps because it creates clarity and shows mutual intent. Some provisions — like NDAs or financial terms — may carry more weight if drafted carefully, but you should consult a lawyer if enforceability matters to you.
Do I need a lawyer to create a casual agreement?
For most informal arrangements, no. The point of a casual agreement is to have a clear, shared reference for expectations — not to create a legal document. That said, if significant money, property, or legal exposure is involved, getting legal advice is smart. Think of casual agreements as a communication tool, not a legal instrument.
What should a basic casual agreement include?
At minimum: who the parties are, what each person expects, any financial terms, privacy/confidentiality preferences, how to handle disagreements, and how either party can end the arrangement. The more specific you are, the fewer misunderstandings you'll have later.
Can I use a casual agreement for a roommate situation?
Absolutely. Roommate agreements are one of the most common use cases. Cover things like rent split, shared expenses, guest policies, quiet hours, cleaning responsibilities, and how to handle someone wanting to move out. Many of the principles on this site apply directly to roommate situations.
What's the difference between a casual agreement and a contract?
A contract is a legally binding document that meets specific legal requirements (offer, acceptance, consideration, legality, capacity). A casual agreement is an informal understanding — it may be written down, but it's primarily a communication tool. Contracts can be enforced in court; casual agreements generally cannot.
How do I bring up the idea of a written agreement without it being weird?
Frame it as a practical step, not a sign of distrust. Something like: "I think we'd both feel better if we wrote down what we're expecting from this, just so we're on the same page." Most people appreciate the clarity once they see it in action. If the other person refuses to discuss expectations at all, that itself is useful information.
Can a casual agreement cover financial support?
Yes, and it should if money is part of the arrangement. Be specific about amounts, frequency, payment methods, and what happens if circumstances change. Vague financial terms ("I'll help you out") are the #1 source of conflict in arrangements. Note that financial provisions may have tax or legal implications depending on your jurisdiction.
What if one person wants to change the agreement?
Good agreements include a modification clause — a process for proposing and agreeing to changes. At minimum, any changes should require both parties' agreement and should be documented. "We'll talk about it" is better than nothing, but writing down changes prevents the "I thought we agreed to..." problem.
Should I include an NDA in my casual agreement?
A full NDA is usually overkill for casual arrangements. Instead, include a straightforward confidentiality clause that covers what should stay private, what can be shared (and with whom), and what happens if privacy is breached. If you need actual legal protection for sensitive information, consult a lawyer for a proper NDA.
How long should a casual agreement last?
That depends entirely on your situation. Some arrangements are open-ended with periodic check-ins; others have a fixed duration (e.g., a semester for a tutoring arrangement). Whatever you choose, specify it in the agreement and include how renewal or termination works.
What if the other person breaks the agreement?
Since casual agreements typically aren't legally enforceable, your main recourse is communication. Have an honest conversation about what happened and whether the arrangement can continue. This is why exit clauses matter — they give both parties a clear, dignified way out if things aren't working.
Is it okay to use a template or generator for my agreement?
Templates and generators are a great starting point — they help you think through topics you might not have considered. Just make sure you customize the result to your specific situation. A generic template that doesn't reflect your actual arrangement is worse than a short but specific agreement you wrote from scratch.