This is regarding my leases for apartments. I added the following lease language in my lease for unauthorized occupants. I got this idea from what people were doing with unauthorized pets. Please critique and let me know what you think:

" Tenant shall not allow any other person, other than those named above, to use or occupy the Premises without first obtaining Landlord's written consent to such use. Guests staying over more than 3 days, whether consecutive or not, without the written consent of the landlord shall be considered a breach of this agreement and a condition of default resulting in eviction. Anyone the Tenant desires to move into the property shall submit an application for a background check and landlord approval. A sharing charge of $ 250 per month shall be assessed for each additional occupant, whether approved or not. Additional occupants for the purpose of the sharing charge shall mean anyone staying over 3 days, whether consecutive or not"

It's confusing. You don't want additional occupants, but you will accept them if they pay $250 per month? Or you will evict, even if they pay? Or what?

And wait 3 days? My tenants often have family come visit - yes, really visit, not move in - and spend a week or so. Some of my foreign residents, their family might stay a month. We don't care about that - they are living their lives in their home.

What we DO care about (and I'm sure this is your issue as well) are basically bad boyfriends who move in without submitting to background checks.

At least one time when that happened to us, it was easy to prove, as the bad boyfriend gave the police our property's address as HIS address.

Of course, that the lease specifies that an event constitutes breach of the agreement and a condition of default resulting in eviction, doesn't make it so.

I think it's too wordy. be sure to check the "tenant/landlord" terms ... is that what you are permitted to use?

I'd say something like:

Individuals listed in this agreement/lease (whatever you call yours) are the only ones permitted to occupy the premises. Other individuals sleeping at the property more than one night per week will be considered occupants and must pass screening and background checks. If approved, rent will increase by $250 per month.

Now ... what if you get a tenant who brings someone in for 3 days, they leave, they bring another in for 3 days, etc. I see a CL ad like this where someone offers a free room on a short term basis to men only on an "as needed" basis. YOu don't want someone with a "good heart" bringing others in who are down on their luck because they feel bad for them.

G,

Nicole raises a good point about low income folks bringing in stray friends. We see that all the time.

Ruby Payne's book talks about the "sharing economy" of low incomers. They were helped by others and in return they help others in need. It's part of low income survival. Low income people are some of the most generous I know.

$250: they don't have it so I won't get it. Or it's cheap rent for the add on person.

Me? In a rooming house? "No unauthorized occupants, including overnight guests." Done.

You good res does not want to share a bathroom with Apt B's scuzzy deadbeat boyfriend.

My lease is clear: "New occupants, spouses, or roommates must complete an application and be approved by management before occupying the property."

BRAD