Should all tenants fill out rental application, or only the one who pays the rent?

Question

A potential tenant is interested in renting my 3/2 house. Four adults will be residing in the property, with only one responsible for rent payments. Should I require all four individuals to submit rental applications and undergo background checks?

Leeling

Henry T. · Answer

Really? All have to be screened and meet your qualifications. All sign the contract. What if Mr. big bucks leaves after two weeks? You have three people that are not responsible for anything living in your property. You should buy a good book about being a landlord. Join a local landlord association.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

It doesn't matter who pays the bills. Every adult should be fully screened to ensure you aren't renting to a violent criminal, drug dealer, etc. You also want every adult to be named on the lease and sign it. Signing the lease demonstrates they agree to the terms and then you can hold them accountable.

If you don't do this, then the person named on the lease and paying the rent could disappear and you would have no legal authority to charge the remaining three for unpaid rent. After all, they didn't sign your lease or agree to anything. You would have to go after the one individual for non-payment and you could only remove the other three by going through the legal process like you would for someone on a verbal agreement, which puts you in a he-said, she-said situation.

Kyle Mccaw · Answer

@Leeling Chew

Absolutely, you should background check every adult (18 or older) who will reside in the property. This is critical for protecting yourself, your property, and your neighborhood.

Here’s why:

• Safety Concerns:Skipping checks could allow someone with a serious criminal history—like a sex offender or violent felon—into your property. Even if one tenant is responsible for rent payments, the others will live there and impact your liability as a landlord.
• Accountability:Requiring all adults to apply and sign the lease holds everyone legally responsible for the terms. If rent payments are missed or damages occur, this gives you legal recourse against any or all tenants.
• Best Practices:Professional property managers, like those managing rentals across North Texas, always screen every adult living in the home. This includes credit, criminal, and rental history checks for all parties. It’s standard practice and an essential safeguard for landlords.

Trust your instincts and treat this as a non-negotiable policy. It ensures you’re bringing in responsible tenants and minimizing risks. Good luck, and feel free to ask if you need more tips on tenant screening!

Cari Sweet · Answer

I'll echo everyone else: yes all adults should apply and be screened.

BUT know your jurisdiction's regulation on screening. In the city of Portland (Oregon) they only allow us to run rental/criminal history if a tenant applicant isn't contributing to rent (if they aren't paying, we don't get to look at their finances).

Also, be careful with your lease terms: we specify all tenants, including minors, and state "No Others" specifically. That is in addition to clauses that require anyone that stays more than 7 nights in 12-months to apply (then it becomes our choice if they are treated as a temporary occupant or tenant) and prohibition of subleasing. This helps protect against roommates being swapped out, etc without our knowledge. (Yes it still happens, but it is a lease violation, and we have a solid leg to stand on should we need to pursue eviction or collections later.)

Kristian Sexton · Answer

@Leeling Chew we require anyone over the age of 18 to fill out an application for the property even if they plan to just be an occupant.

Patricia Steiner · Answer

Piling on...all occupants who are 18 or older (or legal emancipated minor) should absolutely be required to make application.  It's more than just about payment of rent:  it's about KNOWING who is inhabiting your property.  And, they all sign the lease to make them responsible for abiding by the terms of the lease, respecting your property, AND paying the rent.

Best...

Ryan Kelly · Answer

100%. You want everyone 18 and older to apply and get a full background check.

Theresa Harris · Answer

For the reason Henry mentioned, you need to screen anyone over 18 living in the house.  Make sure it says they are all responsible for ensuring the rent is paid, not just the one.  If they pass the screening, also find out who is paying the deposit as that is the person you will be returning it to once they leave.

Should all tenants fill out rental application, or only the one who pays the rent?

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