Additional tenants after signed lease

[Nicholas Pasowicz]

My renters reached out and asking if  their sister-in-law can move in and occupy 2rd bedroom with child.  They are additional to the people listed in the agreement.   Agreement states no other persons allowed to live in the property other than listed and subject to a surcharge.  What surcharge would you implement?

Thanks in advance!

[Theresa Harris]

How long is she staying?  If it is more than a few weeks, which is sounds like it will be, screen her the same way that you did with the original tenants. If you add her to the lease, then the original tenants can move out and you then have her living there.  Who else is on the lease now and do they live there?

As for how much to charge, what is included with the lease?  If the tenant pays for all of the utilities, it shouldn't cost more to have 4 people living there instead of 2.  If you are paying for any of the utilities, then figure out how much 2 extra people will cost.