I have a Section 8 tenant that moved into my unit in December. Now in January she asked if her relative can move in after filling out the application. I sent it to her, and it was filled out, however it looks like the relative is only 20 years old, with no job and no credit it at all. She doesn't really have anything on her application because she has no credit, no job, no criminal offenses etc. How do I make a decision? Do I let her move in? The current tenant's voucher says this relative can live with her, and it looked like based on the application she was living with her at her previous residence before she moved into my unit. Unclear where she has been residing between Dec 1 and now....
I would never let anyone move in over the age of 18 unless they did a background check/standard check. My recommendation is to do so and to keep your current tenant liable. You want yourself protected legally, so have everyone on the lease and on the hook. Make sure your lease also doesn't allow stays over 3 days consecutively!
Had this come up a few times. My approach - treat it like any new tenant. Have the relative fill out an application, run the background/credit check, the works. If they pass, add them to the lease officially.
Some landlords charge a small fee for the screening or bump the rent slightly for the extra occupant (check your local laws on this). I usually keep rent the same if they pass screening, just to keep the good tenant happy.
Main thing is get it in writing. Don't just let them move someone in on a handshake. If things go south later you want documentation showing who's actually authorized to be there.
What does your current lease say about additional occupants?
@Megan Tyberg , with Section 8, it helps to separate program approval from your own screening standards. Even if the voucher allows a relative to live there, you’re still entitled to apply your normal screening process before approving anyone over 18.
You’re doing the right thing by requiring an application. I’d treat the relative like any other adult occupant by verifying identity, running a background check, and making sure they meet your written criteria. Having no credit or employment isn’t automatically a disqualifier, but it’s important that whatever standards you use are applied consistently.
It’s also important that any adult occupant is approved in writing and added to the lease, and that the housing authority is notified of any household changes according to their process. If your lease doesn’t clearly address additional occupants, this is a good opportunity to tighten that language going forward.
Don’t feel rushed into approving someone before you’re comfortable. Clear documentation and expectations up front usually prevent much bigger problems later.
You’re right to slow down here. This is one of the most common Section 8 situations that turns into a problem if it’s handled casually.
A few important points to anchor on:
1. Section 8 approval ≠ landlord approval
The voucher allowing the relative to live there only means housing authority approval, not that you’re required to accept her. You still control occupancy approval under your lease and screening criteria.
2. Additional occupants increase risk, not subsidy
The rent amount does not increase just because someone else moves in.
What does increase:
Wear and tear
Utility usage
Liability
Eviction complexity if things go south
So there has to be a clear benefit or protection for you.
3. “No job / no credit” isn’t automatic denial, but it’s not neutral either
For additional occupants, the key questions are:
Will she be lease-bound or just listed as an occupant?
Does your lease require all adults to be approved and added?
Does she meet your minimum screening standards for adult occupants (background, prior housing history, etc.)?
If your criteria say adults must qualify, you must apply that consistently.
4. Residency gap matters
Unclear housing between Dec 1 and now is a valid concern. Ask for:
Written explanation of residency history
Prior landlord reference (even informal)
Confirmation from housing authority if she was previously approved in the household
Document everything.
5. You are allowed to say “not at this time”
A reasonable, defensible response is:
“At this time, I’m not approving additional adult occupants. If circumstances change, we can revisit.”
That is different from discrimination and is generally enforceable if aligned with your lease and applied consistently.
Best practice going forward:
Require written housing authority approval first
Require adult occupant addendum
Require clear lease language on additional occupants
Never allow someone to move in “temporarily” without paperwork
This isn’t about being anti-tenant. It’s about controlling risk before it controls you.
You’re asking the right questions. That’s how you stop being “inexperienced” fast.
Wow! You're so lucky you get to decide. In Seattle the landlord has no say whatsoever. Tenant can move in as many family members as they please. Period. Another reason why so many landlords have gone. Sigh... ...Use your high screening standards, apply them equally, and stick to them. You decide not Sec 8! I see a red flag, be careful.
Common problem with section-8. You can expect more people to move in once you allow this one. You have to set the rules for tenant screening for your property.
Andrew Bosco - Candor Investment Group532 Reviews
get MULTIfamily Property Management4.7214 Reviews