Tenant wants to move from upstairs to downstairs in duplex, cheaper to more expensive

[Arron Achey]

Hello all, 

I did look through some previous posts on similar topics and lean towards NOT allowing this but our situation is a little different then I've seen. Our downstairs unit (duplex) pays for pretty much all of PITI and utilities that we are responsible for, where the upstairs is mostly gravy. We just turned the upstairs over, tenant seems to be taking good care of it where maybe some patching and paint needed but otherwise just a deep clean as I would for anyone else.

I'm trying to find the downfall of having her move into a renewed lease, year long, she's a good tenant, and paying higher rent to cover all our expenses while we try and re rent out the top floor. 

Just want to make sure I'm not missing something drastic. 

Thanks in advance!

Arron

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

As long as you are getting updates to their income/employment status, and they continue to meet your screening criteria based on the new rent amount, there is no reason to disallow a transfer. Given the physical difference between the units, definitely utilize a new Rental Agreement, and process move in inspection/documentation as usual, as well as the move out/SD accounting...which could just show a transfer of funds to the new unit. Separately you would need to collect additional SD to match the new rent rate. Pro-rate the rents for both units with minimal, if any, overlap, depending on how much personal property needs to be moved, and time tenant needs for cleaning.