Updated almost 10 years ago on . Most recent reply
After signing lease, Tenant mentioned girlfriend moving in
Guy filled out application, listed his dog as only other tenant. Income of $90/year with one year contract, only debt is one credit card in good standing and a deferred student loan, good rental references.
After signing the lease, he mentioned he would be moving his girlfriend and her two kids in with him. I told him that she would have to go through the app process/background and credit checks as well. He said that he didn't care if she signed the lease or not, but he would get her to fill out an application. His move in date per the lease is the 7th. I reminded him this morning that he needed to send her application in. They are driving in from out of state, so he texted me her ss, dl, birthdate (their landlord history for the past 5 years is the same, which I was able to verify), and said that she would give me a signed application when they get here. Her credit - 1 credit card in 2014 and 2015 with good payment history. Deferred student loans.
6 accounts in collections on accounts assigned in 2011 and 2013, with most recent actions in 06/16. They have not been paid on, and 4 are medical accounts, 1 library fine, and an electric company.
The application has a clause for reasons for denial, but there isn't anything in the signed lease other than a section that subletters or roommates must go through the application process and be approved. I am not sure what to do with this. If it was in the application phase I would handle it one way, but since he has a signed lease based on his application I am unsure what to do.
To add to my concerns and time constraints, he texted me to say that they are arriving in town tonight and want to know if they can move in instead of waiting until Thursday.
Any advice from more experienced landlords would be greatly appreciated.
Most Popular Reply
#2 General Landlording & Rental Properties Contributor
Text him back and inform him that the lease is invalid since he lied when filling in the application, regarding 3 additional people in the unit, and that he will need to find alternate accommodations. Legally you can terminate the lease.
What he has done is placed all their default payments in her name to keep his credit clear and be able to pass credit checks. He is committing fraud in his application by not informing you in advance of who was really applying for the unit.
Hopefully he does not have a key, keep his first months rent and return any deposits.
Remember you must screen every adult intending to live in the unit to insure each can afford it on their own. If he splits you are stuck with a dead beat and her two children so you must reject them all.