A booth rental agreement protects you the day something goes wrong, which is exactly the day you will wish you had one. Handshake deals feel friendly right up until a renter leaves with your clients, stops paying, or does work that lands on your reputation.
What to put in writing
Rent amount and due date. What is included, from the station to towels to backbar. Insurance and licensing that the renter carries, not you. A notice period for leaving. And a clear line that renters are independent, run their own books, and are responsible for their own clients and taxes.
Do not skip the professional review
Independent contractor rules vary by state, and getting them wrong is costly. Have a real professional review the agreement for where you operate before anyone signs. A template off the internet is a starting point, not a safety net.
Why it makes the relationship better
A clear agreement does not make things colder. It makes them last, because everyone knows the rules going in, and nobody has to guess when a hard moment arrives.