how many guests is allowed to stay over?

Question

I am not talking about subletting.   Do you specify on your lease agreement, how many people including tenant can stay overnight and how many days maximum?

let's say there are 2 bedroom and already have the parents (2) and 2 kids as tenants, are they already at max occupancy and having someone staying over should not be allowed?

Thanks

Account Closed · Answer

That's actually really smart to put maximum number of guests allowed at one time.  Just in case they throw some huge multi-generational family reunion lol.  My lease just said that guests can stay a max of so many days in so many months.  Can't remember exactly now, but I think it was something like 14 days in a 6 month period, without written permission.  And I did actually give written permission for long-term guests over the summer for my students who wanted to sublet over the summer.  With the caveat that if there are any problems, the permission can be withdrawn.

But, legally, you can put whatever you want to regarding guests.  But, remember that if you're too restrictive, you'll cut down on your tenant base - or get some that will agree to anything just to get in, and then do what they want anyway :-)

Thomas S. · Answer

Max is correct about Big Brother. Big Brother is the landlord. The only rights tenants have are those given by the state landlord tenant codes and their landlord. As a landlord you must learn to use the codes to your advantage.

Landlords have the right to protect their investment and police the property. If you feel they are taking advantage or abusing the "legal tenant" clause step in otherwise leave them alone.

There is a difference between a overnight guest and a extended visitor. You draw the line.

Amy E. · Answer

I state max occupancy in my lease.  I also make the tenant identify who will be occupying the property and the lease states that only the identified folks can stay on the property (all adults get screened, even if they aren't signing the lease).  It doesn't specifically state that guests are banned, but by the way that the lease is worded, they are.

In theory, my lease covers me and I make sure the tenant knows up front that only the folks on the lease should stay in the home.

In practice, I've never had an issue and I honestly don't care about the occasional guests (I do not pay for any utilities on my houses, so there's no bottom line to protect).  But if it becomes an issue my lease covers me with respect to banning guests.  I usually give my card to the neighbors and tell them to contact me if they have any issues with the tenants.