New land lord in boston looking for advice!

[Mamdouh Mikhail]

How are you doing all, I’m a new landlord for an apartment listed for rent below market price. The apartment is in good condition, with wooden floors and a standard kitchen. I have a tenant coming in asking to rent the place, who has a partner with a 12 year old kid (the kid is his partner’s). He wants to have the lease only under his name, should I include the lady and kid in the contract? What happens if he decides to leave and she stays behind and doesn’t pay rent? Any advice?

Thanks all!

[Carolyn Fuller]

@Mamdouh Mikhail For what it is worth, I got a bunch of advice when we first became landlords in Massachusetts. I took notes and created a PDF that I can email you if you dm me. There are Massachusetts specific laws that can cost you if you do not abide by them. For instance, you can't charge any application fees OR late fees unless the rent is 30 or more days late.

I was advised that every person living in the apartment, including children, should be listed on the lease and we require all adults living in the apartment to sign the lease.