It is not uncommon for tenants to have guests. But when those guests never leave, they become unapproved roommates to your tenants. They have not signed your lease and, therefore, do not have to abide by the rules or policies outlined in your lease. This blog post will show you ways to find out if someone other than the tenant is living in your unit and how to handle an unapproved roommate in your rental property.
Let’s touch a minute on why this is important. First, as a landlord, you should take the time to vet your tenants. Typically, you’ll check their credit and previous landlord-tenant relationships to ensure they can and will pay rent on time. Next, maybe you do a background check to confirm they are a law-abiding citizen and do not pose a threat to other tenants or neighbors. Finally, you do what you can to make sure the person leasing your rental unit is a good fit for you, the unit, and the complex (if you own a multi-family).
You jeopardize your rental property business when someone starts living with a tenant without being vetted. For example, this unauthorized roommate may not have the financial means to qualify for your unit. In addition, they may have been evicted by their previous landlord for lease violations or may even have a criminal background that adds liability to your other tenants or neighbors should that illegal activity continue in or around your unit. But, on the other hand, they may be a perfect tenant who you’d welcome to your rental property!