Add new tenants to the lease?

Question

I've got a large house (5 BR) with a couple and 2 kids in it.  They want their friends (another couple) to move in with them to share costs/housing.  The new couple has good income; enough to qualify on their own.  I'm open to this and would qualify the new couple like anyone else, but do I add their names to the lease with an addendum?  What else should I consider beyond my normal screening?

Brandon Kamm · Answer

We use an addendum signed by all involved parties. However it is a great opportunity to start with a new year leaee

Jon Klaus · Answer

I've had 4 adults and 3 kids in it in the past (1 family). My septic co. blessed it. BTW, I have 16 septic systems (but just 1 on this property). 
I never dreamed I'd descend to such depths.

Just Don · Answer

2 families definitely will impact a septic system and MAY well overload it.

I would not allow it based on same.  they are expensive to replace.  And regulations out the ying-yang.

Jon Klaus · Answer

This is in the country (no city jurisdiction) where pretty much the only dealing I have with the County is to ensure the septic system is under service contract.

Steve Babiak · Answer

Jon,

In my area, zoning limits whether you can do this sort of thing, believe it or not.  If zoned for "single family occupancy", the zoning definition for "single family" is to be followed.  That is typically limited to an unlimited number of related occupants, or a maximum of three unrelated occupants; some places even limit to a maximum of two unrelated occupants.  This is intended to prevent frat houses and group homes from finding their way into residential neighborhoods, with the side effect of excluding arrangements such as what you described.

Find out whether you have this sort of limitation to deal with.

Jon Klaus · Answer

Good ideas, Bill.  I hadn't considered a new lease with a new term.

Bill Gulley · Answer

Jon, I suggest you qualify them as you did the others. Using an addendum for the remaining term of the lease would probably be fine, I have done that as well. But, this is an opportunity to write a new lease too, stretch out that term by strating it over! Putting all of them on the same lease, by addendum or a new one is great, the more the merrier! Check with local ordinances as to unrelated parties in the same dwelling. Sounds like you got lucky. One family might move later, the other may elect to stay, who knows???