Potential Tenant with Foreign Fiance

[Jessie Duncan]

I am reviewing a potential tenant for one of my single family homes, and I've run into an interesting situation.  I have an application from a couple who is getting married on July 24th.  He is an IT guy with a stable income and good credit.  They are both moving to the area for his job, and have no pets and are non-smokers... so they look like a good fit.  They would like to move in on July 12th, which is perfect for me as my other tenant moves out July 10th.  

The interesting part is that the wife-to-be is from the Netherlands, so I don't have a way to properly screen her.  She does not have a U.S. social security number.  She has a temporary visa, and she can apply for the permanent (and work) visa once they get married. She has filled out a separate application (as I always require).  She currently owns her home in the Netherlands, and is closing on the sale of it July 14th, right before she moves to the U.S.  She does not have a job in the U.S. and the husband will be supporting them.  (His income is more than sufficient.)  

I have a couple of applications, but these people are by far the best candidates.  However, I'm not sure how to handle the lease and properly protect myself.  I always require all adults over 18 to be on the lease (yes, I've read Brandon's book!).  But how would I do that if they aren't yet married?  Should I wait to put her on the lease until they are married and have her stay the week before as a "guest"?  Or just go ahead and put her on the lease right now?  Technically, she would not qualify as an individual because of the current work status.  

I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions to make sure I can cover my bases.