Tenants boyfriend over every day, laws on this?

Question

A tenant has her boyfriend over everyday, most likely staying the night.  The car is always there.

It's been there every day for 2 months since she moved in.  He technically has is own dorm room at the university.

Our lease says no one else can live there but it doesn't say how long guests can stay.  I'm wondering what laws there are in Ohio and what can be done.

Scott E. · Answer

I don't have an answer for you regarding your landlord rights. But just genuinely curious, why do you care?

I suppose there will be slightly more wear and tear on the systems (sewer, plumbing). And slightly more water usage which is annoying if you're paying for water. But other than that, what's the big deal?

Nicole Heasley Beitenman · Answer

What does your lease say? Ours states if a guest resides on the property 14 or more days, consecutive or non, they're considered a tenant and have to be added to the lease.

John Morgan · Answer

They all sneak extra people and pets in. I just look the other way as long as they pay on time. Lol

Nathan Gesner · Answer

If your lease doesn't define it, then there's really no limit to the number of days. However, the law would likely consider them a Tenant after 30 days of occupancy.

They are problematic, so there's no point in arguing over it. Give her a 30-day notice of termination due to complaints, unapproved occupant, and other issues. See if she'll willingly leave. If she doesn't, then you'll need to start issuing written lease violation notices and working towards eviction.

Scott Mac · Answer

Seems rather like a can of worms to me (He technically has is own dorm room at the university.).

If it were mine (and he's just visiting day or night) I'd not notice it (this is 2022 and not 1950 like Mr Furly in 3's Company).

If you think the Young Man has taken up legal residence with the Young Lady under your lease, and the language in the lease disallows this--I would think about calling her and just asking (in a nice way)...if she says yes...take it from there, if she says no I'd drop it--and collect the rent.

You have no proof he lives there...just somewhat of a guess...and they may just enjoy each others company so much they get married...then you can see about adding him to the lease.

Good Luck!

Terrell Garren · Answer

Best thing I've learned in 13 years - M2M rental agreements.  I can deal with problems immediately and don't need a lease that reads like Moby-Dick.

Ian Loonce · Answer

Doesn't have an amount of days, just says only lessee is allowed to live there.

Malkia Ra · Answer

Yup.  I ran into this issue with a previous tenant which prompted me to revise my lease language regarding length of stay for guests.

Ian Loonce · Answer

They are problem tenants.  The boyfriend got aggressive with me once (raised his voice, said I was about to make him mad).  I checked his facebook and it looks like gang signs and gang activity.  I saw what looked like possible distribution on the property by him and his friends.  They complain non stop.

Bob S. · Answer

Who cares? Is the rent on time? Are they wrecking the place?  Do they pay all utilities ? If all is good, let it go.

Tenants boyfriend over every day, laws on this?

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