Contracts are a very important tool in any transaction you enter into, e.g., car rental, apartment, employment, etc. By having a written contract, you have a document that shows exactly what the parties agreed to. You do not want to find yourself in a position where the other party fails to do agreed upon and you have nothing in writing that shows what the agreement was between the two of you.  Before you sign a contract, take your time to read it. Then read it again, if you are unclear. Make sure you understand it. Don't let others intimidate you or force you into signing a contract. There is no requirement that you must sign the first, draft contract presented to you. You can choose to revise the terms of the contract and then present it back to the other party for review. You may have a lawyer help you negotiate the terms.