To Replace Existing Tenants or Renew Lease

[Rachel Johnson]

Hi All,

I've had a tenant for 3 years in the bottom unit of a duplex. For the past 3 years it has been a man, his long-term girlfriend and the man's 2 teenage kids living in the unit. Lease renewal is up come July and the man emailed to inform me that he and girlfriend have broken up but that he would like to continue living in the property but get another tenant to help with the cost of rent. My question #1 is, I am wondering if I should myself start looking for new renters or allow my current tenant to look for a roommate? I see it being a fragile situation as having he and his 2 kids (whom are only there every other weekend by the way), live with another person would take really finding the right roommate to get along with in this unique situation. 

Question #2, If I do allow my tenant to take in a new roommate, I am thinking it best to have him set up a sublease situation with my permission so that I do not have to deal with the new renter, the current renter would be responsible for arranging all communication with them, however I would provide a lease and ensure that I am 100% comfortable with the conditions that he is setting with the new renter. This would have it's pros and cons but as a landlord that lives out of the country, I cannot deal with having to handle any issues that may occur between the current tenant and a new tenant. I am new to this situation and have never had to consider this. 

Looking for feedback. Thank you all kindly!