Should I rent to a corporation?

Question

Hi guys.I have a duplex in NJ.  One of the apartments, a 4 bedroom, is currently available.  I have been approached by a company looking to rent it out on behalf of 4 employees.  They want to sign the lease as a corporation.  The owner is willing to sign a personal guarantee OR provide 6 months rent up front but not willing to run a credit check on himself.  The company seems legit albeit involved in some worker safety issues (they are in the construction industry).

Would you consider them?  If so, what clauses would you include in a lease?  How would I evict the tenants if it came to that?  As background the duplex is in a C, C+ area.

Thanks!

Glenn McCrorey · Answer

@Nabeel Mahmud I rent directly to companies both for profit and non profits that provide care for individuals with special needs.  It's similar to what you're considering I think.  My lease doesn't have the names of the individuals on it, the company is responsible for the rent.  You might consider a larger deposit and state in the lease that minor maintenance issues and repairs needed due to being damaged are the company's responsibility.

Marcia Maynard · Answer

Twice we have rented residential units to legitimate companies (non-profit organizations) for their workers and/or clients with no problems. We did background checks on the occupants.

The party named on the lease/rental agreement as the tenant and/or guarantor paid the rent.

If there had been the need to evict, we would have negotiated a move-out plan first. If the occupants didn't leave voluntarily after being served with a legal notice to vacate, we could then proceed through the normal eviction process for our jurisdiction. Whether the occupants are named on the lease or not, if they establish residency, they are our tenants and are protected by landlord-tenant law. Our remedies too are supported by landlord-tenant law.

Matthew Paul · Answer

Personal guarantee  AND  6 months upfront , and  all workers added to lease