What terms to add to lease for roommates?

[Igor Nastaskin]

Hi, I have 5 students/roommates apply for tenancy (in California) for one of the units of a fourplex in California. 3 students have cosigners (parents), one cosigner is architect and one is an out of state judge. This is my first time leasing to roommates - is this a good idea? My pm provided a standard california rental agreement - what extra terms must I include for my protection?

Thank you!

[Julie Hartman]

@Igor Nastaskin I would not recommend adding extra stipulations in your lease for roommates, if you do, that could be construed at discriminatory. While roommates are not a separate protected class, the individual applicants may be part of a protected class and the last thing you want is to appear to go against fair housing. You want to make sure your policies are applied equally among all applicants/tenants. Just as @Rick Albert said, follow the same process and have them on the same lease. This way, if one leaves, they are all equally responsible until a replacement is found. Sounds like the co-signors are solid, so it should be fine.