What is the status of a person allowed to live in someone else's home without an agreement to pay rent?

In situations where a person occupies a home without a formal agreement to pay rent or contribute financially, they are typically classified as a guest. This designation recognizes that their presence in the home is based on hospitality rather than a landlord-tenant relationship. A guest does not have the same legal rights as a tenant, who has a lease or rental agreement that grants them specific rights and responsibilities regarding the use of the property.

Tenants are entitled to certain protections under landlord-tenant laws, such as the right to due process in eviction proceedings. Conversely, guests do not have these legal safeguards. Additionally, the status of a guest implies a temporary arrangement without the expectation of permanence, whereas a tenant generally has a more established right to occupy the space.

The classifications of guests versus tenants become crucial, especially if disputes arise, as they influence the legal approach to issues like eviction and property rights.