Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
General Landlording & Rental Properties
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated almost 10 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

110
Posts
44
Votes
Renee R.
  • Sandown, NH
44
Votes |
110
Posts

Multiple unrelated singles in duplex

Renee R.
  • Sandown, NH
Posted

I inherited tenants when I bought a duplex last Oct. One unit has three unrelated singles who share the rent equally, pay with one check and are all three on the lease. All was well until recently when one decided to move out. He found a replacement and thought that was it. Long story short, I did a background check on the new person and all worked out. A month later, another one of the tenants wants to move out and doesn’t have a replacement. I explained that the lease is a legal contract and they can’t just come and go as they please (which I’ve learned the prior landlord did allow). The lease is up end of Nov and I wonder if I should just get them out so I don’t have to deal with this going forward. But, a) Dec isn’t a great month to find a new tenant, right? b) How do I avoid multiple single roommate situation going forward? The duplex is very large and has 2 to 4 bedrooms depending on how you use the rooms. I can’t say max 2 people per bedroom since that could potentially be 8 people! I’m wondering if limited the parking to two cars would be the best route. Suggestions are welcome.

Most Popular Reply

User Stats

21,918
Posts
12,877
Votes
Bill Gulley#3 Guru, Book, & Course Reviews Contributor
  • Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator
  • Springfield, MO
12,877
Votes |
21,918
Posts
Bill Gulley#3 Guru, Book, & Course Reviews Contributor
  • Investor, Entrepreneur, Educator
  • Springfield, MO
Replied

Hi, many cities have occupancy restrictions, such as no more than 3 unrelated parties in any unit, regardless of room count, so check with the city first.

Your issue is common, kids! They have their friends, but friendship may wear thin living together or they can come up with new boy/girl friends, etc. etc. etc. 

Put all tenants on the lease, responsible jointly and severally if they are first time renters or college age, get moms and dads to guarantee the lease, because they won't have rental histories and probably not sufficient credit.

You might ask if they would all like to move in July or August! That's up to you. I'd cut them lose as soon as possible and start out with "my" tenants. 

Remember too, you can't define family status or require people be married or single. The family is who they claim to be "family". Good luck :)

Loading replies...