I usually let this particular situation slide. Unless the tenant(s) become an issue. Then I'll bring up the additional occupant needing an app and raise rent.

Hoosier,

To comply with federal Fair Housing Law we screen everyone the same, including the new boyfriend who just appeared.

Regarding income we combine incomes to cover the rent.

From the experience file: unless this is a clear roommate or beginning renter situation these are seldom good people coming in. It's USUALLY a deadbeat guy who convinces a decent girl with a job that he's madly in love with her. He is unemployed and they just met last week at a bar.

Mothers TEACH YOUR DAUGHTERS!! Girls: don't be so naive!

She finally realizes she's only a free meal and a roof, can't get him to leave so SHE pays the Early Lease Termination Fee and leaves him for the LL to deal with.

We've seen this sooo many times!

Our meth lab house: HE was not on the app then showed up later when he got out of PRISON for dealing meth.

Our frying pan murder: HE sweet talked his way in, they argued, we changed locks a few times, he smashed in her skull while she slept.

My lease is clear: even a new spouse must complete an application and be approved before occupying. We have turned down new spouses.

Check your laws. In NY we have to let a spouse and certain family members live there. But as Brad 20,000 explained, teach your daughters (and sons too). So glad I raised in independent daughter that doesn't look like she is going to fall for some story.

I respect that a tenant does not want to add the boyfriend/girlfriend. That way they have the legal right to the place. In fact, I mention this to my tenant when they suggest adding someone. I have informed all my family members to keep their property in their names only as they marry or even move together.

Best to get an information sheet on any new 'occupants' even if you don't intend to raise the rent.

A single gal moved in her boyfriend. It took me a few weeks to notice he was actually living there and so I asked for his name, etc. They refused any information. He didn't seem like a bad guy and it was actually the first time the lawn ever got mowed so I was all for him living there.

I took an 'information sheet' down one night to get at least something for my insurance purposes. and I got a steel security screen door slammed into my head by an angry friend of theirs who insisted she 'knew the law'. Geez, she didn't even live there! I called the police, wrote up a 'trespass' notice for the boyfriend, and the police stood by while I served it on him.

I told them I wouldn't press charges for the bump on my head (assault) if he would leave that night. He did, almost immediately while the police stood by. Of course he sneaked back in for the next few weeks, but by then I'd sent my original tenant a violation of the rental agreement notice (which says no extended stay visitors without notice and information) and gave her 30 days to vacate.