Help w/ agreements, paperwork, and anxiety

Ok, I've gotten a couple replies from folks looking to work around our homestead and have a space to stay.  

Camping space with something better before winter in trade for some of the things I can't do anymore; digging, lifting, building etc.

I do not want to do anything that needs taxes. But what agreements should I have in place for when things end?

Understanding that land will remain mine, sorry Otis), that anything built for the site will remain, and any critters they bring will leave with them.

What if things break, big things? What if they themselves break, who pays medical?

What do I need?
Thanks,

Jennifer

If I were doing this ...

If no check are passed then cash money needs no paper work .. unless I want to make reports.

If I ask for volunteers not paper work, verbal agreements are okay.

If I offer to share my land then that needs to be made clear what I am sharing just a garden.

If I am sharing a campsite or a place to plant ... does this sound like I am  giving land away?

I guaranty that things will break as folks are only human.  Cash money or just a place to park an rv usually grantees nothing.

To be on the safe side if I were doing this .. cash money or no cash just a parking spot.

I don't need anything except warm bodies ...

No written agreements that can be broken.

Ask yourself `are you offering a paid job or a volunteer position?`

Even though this transaction doesn't involve money, its still a type of transaction, as in you're giving the comodity of a place to stay, and they're giving the comodity of assistance on land/house/garden stuff.  Even though money isn't changing hands I'd say work up something like a lease agreement, just think of it as bartering, but in six month stints, or 12 month stints, or whatever you need to do.  Perhaps if something happens before the end of their "lease stint" with you that interferes with their previous physical abilities to assist around the place then they can pay you in money instead of labour/assistance with land chores?  

I know we want a world where we don't have to think of everything as a transaction and where we focus on relationship.  But the reality is that people let each other down without agreements with signatures and multiple copies in place.  Perhaps look into talking to a lawyer for a short consultation who specializes in "landlord tenant law" in your county.  Again I know that feels sucky, but you, and anyone coming to stay, deserve to feel safe in case anything goes sideways.

I worked for years with volunteer help.

Putting stuff on paper is hazardous at most because volunteers have diverse learning styles, a low tolerance for friction, and are motivated by mission and connection, not process and policy.

I have seen many that show up one day and are gone the next.

Paper documents might give them leverage with the department of wage and hour.

Laws vary greatly from state to state.  If I was heading into such an agreement, I would consult an attorney.  Several issues that concern me is what if a bunch of my stuff vanished and the individual claimed I gave the items to him/her?  What if the individual refused to leave? What if the individual claims I owe them back pay?

Sometimes a signed agreement is not enough.  There was a case where a couple individuals volunteered to work at a hospital.  The hospital, of course, was used to volunteers and had the needed paperwork signed.  The individuals worked in the hospital laundry for several months. …then they filed a complaint with the department of labor.  The ruling went against the hospital big time…back pay, pain and suffering, and penalties.  The general thoughts around the ruling was that individuals volunteer in hospitals to read stories to the patients, pass out refreshments, etc.  … nobody volunteers  to work in a hospital laundry.

Although the internet has given us better access on background checks, there are individuals who do this sort of thing for a career.  As I commented earlier, I would check with an attorney.