woodbridge, CT · Member since 2016 · 27 posts · 6 votes
i just signed lease agreement with a new tenant who will be moving in end of this week. she just asked if she can add her boy friend in the lease since he is getting cable and internet on his name. the cable company is asking lease copy and wants to see his name on the lease.
she said he will be in and out visiting her on regular basis. this was discussed before signing so i have no problem with that. This is not his primary residence. he has his own appt that he is renting.
My question is, is it better anyways to have him on the lease as well? do i need to do application and background check on him as well?
Rental Property Investor · Northern, CA · Member since 2012 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
8y
As long as you're okay with him staying there, I would add him to the lease. It's one more person to hold accountable if the rent isn't paid. He might end up living there anyway since his girlfriend lives there, so you might as well make it official and have him named on the lease. And yes, you definitely need to have him fill out an application and do a background check on him to make sure he meets your criteria before adding him to the lease. You should always get an application and screen any adult (18+) who will be living in your property.
Investor · Brookville, PA · Member since 2014 · 11 posts · 1 vote
8y
In my Opinion, absolutely a must to add the boyfriend to the lease, No matter how many other apartment(s) he has should be no concern to you, only your apartment. I use a simple 'Addition of Occupant(s) Addendum to Residential Lease Agreement' form that both the current resident and new resident sign. It states that the added resident must adhere to the original lease as well as be responsible for payments. PM me if you would like a copy of the 1 page form.
If you add him to the lease you can expect that at some point he will likely move in full time. He will be a legal tenant if he is on the lease, with all the rights of a tenant, so you must screen him as you would any applicant before agreeing to add him.
If you do not want him as a tenant then you say no. There is a financial reason for the cable and internet to be in his name, likely your tenant defaulted on her bills in the past and can not get it in her name, meaning she is probably a risk.
Something smells very fishy so you had better thoroughly screen.
Rental Property Investor · Northern, CA · Member since 2012 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
8y
As long as you're okay with him staying there, I would add him to the lease. It's one more person to hold accountable if the rent isn't paid. He might end up living there anyway since his girlfriend lives there, so you might as well make it official and have him named on the lease. And yes, you definitely need to have him fill out an application and do a background check on him to make sure he meets your criteria before adding him to the lease. You should always get an application and screen any adult (18+) who will be living in your property.