Guests staying for longer than 2 weeks

[Nathan Churchill]

Hello, BP! I have new tenants moving into a unit in a couple of weeks. I had them review the lease terms and they had a question about a policy that anyone living on the property for more than 2 weeks will need to fill out an application. They're a young couple and her younger brother may need to stay with them for a few weeks after her mom has some surgery. I'm unsure of the younger brother's age, but assuming he's at least 18 I plan to have him fill out an application just so I have his information.

I have two questions. How do you guys handle these situations? Would you require a background check (which would cost my tenants money) or is an application enough? Also, what potential legal ramifications could arise by mishandling this? For now all I can think of is if he lives there for, say 6 weeks, and then the leased tenants leave for whatever reason. Would I have difficulty now because it's his "home" and he's not under a lease? This is unlikely to happen, but I still want to make sure I cover myself. Any advice is appreciated!