Tenant Wants to Add Fiancee Coming Out of Prison

[Aya I.]

We have a long-term rental home with a tenant (a woman with minor kids) who has been renting since last September. She passed our background check (mid-600 credit score, no late rent history, verified income) and had been paying on time with occasional late payment. 

Now, she reached out to let us know that her fiancé is getting out of prison and she wants him to live with her. We’re trying to handle this properly and fairly while also protecting ourselves as landlords.

Our current plan is:

1. Clarify whether he will be a full-time occupant or just visiting. If he will be living there full-time and contributing to rent, we plan to require a full background check and update the lease to add him as a co-tenant.
2. If he won’t be financially responsible but will be staying there, we plan to request his basic info (name, SSN, etc.) for record-keeping.

Has anyone dealt with a similar situation? Any advice on what to consider before moving forward? We want to be fair while ensuring our property and rental agreement remain secure.

Thanks in advance for any insights!

[Bruce Woodruff]

Quote from @Aya I.:

Quote from @Theresa Harris:

I'd be reluctant to add him to the lease because if you do and she moves and he doesn't, then what are you going to do?  I do agree with Nathan, but I'd also find out what he's in for and a bit more about him.

We asked for more info, but the response wasn't good, to say the least. We’ll be chatting with a lawyer tomorrow to get clarity. Thank you for your response. 

"We asked for more info, but the response wasn't good"

There is your answer right there. Why go any further with them? Sure see a Lawyer, but plan on getting them out...or at least deny the 'fiancee' (but then keep a close eye on the place because he will probably try to sneak in anyway)