Adding Spouse to a Lease

[Kevin C.]

Hi,

How do you handle having a strong applicant asking to add their spouse to a lease? They are currently separated, however, think they will be getting back together, so the tenant wants to add them in case this would happen. 

Unlike the tenant, the spouse has less than stellar credit and is currently unemployed. Is there a way to add the spouse as an occupant rather than a tenant that is jointly financially responsible?

They could be considered a guest/occupant as long as the tenant is paying rent and in the terms of the lease? Or would it be better to name both as tenant.

Thanks