Tenant left husband. husband is not on the lease

[Amine E.]

Hello Fellow BP'ers,

I have a rental in Oklahoma City. I signed a lease with the wife. Husband and kids moved in. I approved verbally and everything was fine. Wife left husband and kids and moved out 2 months into lease. The Husband is the one paying for living expenses and wants to stay and move lease under his name. Wife is missing, phone shut off and husband does not know her whereabouts. How do I proceed with this situation? Should sign a new lease with the husband or continue to attempt to locate the wife.

[Sarah Ziehr]

First, make it a rule going forward that all persons over the age of 18 must be on the lease with any of your properties. 

Second, proceed with checking his income and background and if he checks out then have him take over the lease.