Tenant wants to have roommate and collect rent

[Jane S.]

Hi, 

A financially qualified tenant is quite interested in my rental. He admits he’s in transition. But he wants “company” and said he will get a roommate. So I asked him if the roommate will pay rent and he said “To me.”  (Meaning him, he’s gonna keep the roommate’s rent.)

That sounds like there would now be TWO landlords right? Would the roomie be on the lease or what? I’m confused. Never encountered this. Have always avoided roommate tenants.

This applicant also offered to pay 6 months of the lease up front. He was a very highly paid engineer (pharma) who's now changing careers. He has savings. It will have to be verified. Moving from California to CO.
 I have had a couple long phone talks with him, we can easily communicate at this stage, but this roommate idea is a turnoff for me. If anything, I should be collecting the roommate’s rent. It’s additional wear and tear, parking, housekeeping issues etc. 

He also wants to park a 24-foot rec. trailer on the property. That means room for 1 car in the driveway. I’ll have to check with the city regs on this. I see a lot of them around its probably allowed.

At least he has no animals. 

He’s owned a home for years and is used to doing whatever the h*** he feels like doing. I’m wondering how much respect he will have for the lease.

Would you rent to this applicant? I have others.

Oh—he and his wife agreed to live separately for a year (his version) and they have 2 school age kids. Shes staying in CA not selling marital home.

Thanks much for your take on this.

[Adam Martin]

Nope.  Anyone in my property will be verified through me and on the lease.  I don't have as much of a problem with them collecting rent and paying me, my issue lies in the fact there is someone living in my property that I have not vetted and is not under obligation to pay me directly.  I specifically state in my lease no subletting.  Tenant screening is as much of an art as it is a science and I don't trust a tenant to do that for me.