Friend and His Grandma are Moving Into my Rental

[Dimas Espejo]

Hello My Fellow BP Members,

             So I have a friend, who is in desperate need of a place to live. He doesn't make enough to pay the rent on his own, but is moving in with his Grandma as well, who receives a Social Security check every month that would easily cover the rent on its own. So both of their incomes combined is more than plenty to qualify. Here's my issue. I know people say never mix friends with business, but it just so happens that I need a tenant, and he needs a place to live. Which in my eyes works out. 

Question #1) Should I make the lease out to his Grandma and not him, since she makes the majority of the household income every month? (I neglected to mention that she has some health issues, and currently pretty much stays home all day, everyday.) My friend is pretty much her care giver and moved down from up north to do this for her.

Question #2) If heaven forbid, she passes, and he can't afford the rent, what are my legal ways out of this situation. (I hate to think this way, but just want to be well informed before moving forward.)

Question #3) Can they both be on the lease, and if so, is that better for me legally?

Any help on these questions would be greatly appreciated. He plans on moving in February 1st, and I want to be prepared, and have the right documents in order. Thank you for you time.

[Brian Garlington]

@Dimas Espejo

Too be blunt I would not rent to them.  There's a reason why your "friend" can't find somewhere else to rent......think about it...........and it's a great way to ruin a friendship.

Tell your "friend" you talked with your "business partner" and your business partner said no. That way you're not "the bad guy".

IF you insist on renting to them anyway.............Get BOTH names on the agreement and keep in mind that if Grandma.....who has the health issues and is paying the majority of the rent.......makes her transition....then you will have a VERY difficult time evicting your "friend" when he plays on your emotions as a "friend" as to why he can't come up with rent money.

I'd stay away from this my friend