Your existing lease agreement stipulates the number of individuals permitted to reside in your rental and whoever’s named on the contract is legally responsible for repairs and rent.
When you want somebody to move in, it’s important you verify with your landlord to establish whether it’s permitted and the appropriate procedure for your rental.
If you don’t follow the appropriate technique of adding somebody to your lease, you could be in breach of your agreement. Here’s what you need to do in the event that you wish to add somebody to your lease.
Obtain the Landlord’s Authorization
Obviously, you’ll want to be certain that the new roommate is economically stable and compatible. However, even if you’re content with your co-renter’s qualifications, it doesn’t imply that the property owner will take your word.
To increase your likelihood of obtaining an official approval, consider the following before you approach the landlord:
- Will adding someone surpass the occupancy limit?
Property owners have the right to establish reasonable limits on the number of tenants per unit. Generally, it’s supposed to be two people per bedroom plus an extra person, although a number of localities permit more.
- Will the added roommate fulfill the landlord’s criteria?
Numerous property owners subject potential renters to a methodical screening procedure, checking employment, credit, references, and rental history. Request your potential roommates to obtain a credit report.
If it’s good, you’ll present it to the property owner with the proposed new renter’s application. Since the property owner will almost certainly do the same, taking the initiative gives you the chance to form a reasonable explanation for any negative information such as a previous eviction.
Be on a similar page with the Property Owner
Verify with the landlord that your intention is for the new roommate to be a co-renter and share the stipulated responsibilities in the agreement. This implies that you should arrange for the potential roommate to offer identification and information, so the property owner can conduct a normal credit check.
The credit check will disclose how the person handles his or her finances while a background check discloses any criminal history.
Check Housing Codes
If you’re not merely substituting a roommate, but adding to the number of occupants in the rental, you might need to consider other issues. Depending on the location, local codes have stipulations permitting property owners to increase the rent by a certain proportion yearly when including a new roommate and developing a new agreement.
Your landlord might hike the monthly rent by whichever amount he or she deems suitable. If you believe the living cost is being increased artificially, consult with your lawyer or the local renters’ rights council to establish what the property owner is legally permitted to do.
Beware the new rent is negotiable until you sign the agreement, so don’t sign the agreement until you accept the accompanying monetary burden.
Sign the New Agreement
Schedule time for a meeting where the three of you will sign a new agreement or amend the lease legally. Review a new agreement carefully to make sure you’re familiar with the changes and what remains the same.
An amendment must comprise your name, the landlord’s, and the new roommate’s information and name. Moreover, it must clearly define any alterations to the current lease agreement, specifically about including another renter. Ensure the three of you date and sign the amendment or lease and obtain a copy for your records.
Final Thoughts
When you reside in a rental, the landlord is entitled to establish who can dwell in your apartment legally. If you wish to invite somebody to reside with you, you should navigate certain channels to ensure the living situation is lawful. If you don’t know how to go about this, consider these tips.
For more information on how to add someone to your lease, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a message.