Advice for tenant applicant that needs 24 hour care

[Ronda R.]

I have a 2/1 apartment for rent and got a call from Blick Center. They have a young man aging out of the youth facility that needs a place to live with 24 hour care giver. His issues are medical, he has seizures, so wears a helmet. He would be the one signing the lease but they pay his bills. It sounds like a long term tenant but I am concerned about a couple of things: If he doesn't keep the place clean, or is loud will I be able to evict. Quiet enjoyment is written into the lease and the case worker assures me that he is quiet. She also said that the night shift person has to be awake so will most likely be cleaning. I have a call into my lawyer to have her look over the lease. They also want to move in a week early to get it ready for him. I am willing to let them have a week of free rent but not before they give me a security deposit and the months rent. I am also kinda nervous about what kind of questions I can ask. Anyone have experience with something like this?

[Cara Lonsdale]

How would this Tenant provide any risk?  The facility pays on his behalf, they babysit him it sounds like, and clean up after him on a daily basis.  What's not to like?!

I would charge them for the week.  You need a signed lease and security deposit, and the lease starts when they take possession (which is the day you give them keys, whether to move in, prepare for him, or just store a box.

More important to the lease, you need to make sure that you clarify terms about altering the property, and having it restored upon him move out.  That should be at his expense (in both directions).  So, you should make sure that the terms are clear, and agreeable to you.  You wouldn't want them to make alterations and then leave it that way for you to deal with afterwards.  You also should have awareness as to what they are proposing to alter in order to make it accessible for him.

I wouldn't shy away from this Tenant.  I would just want to have clear lease language for the terms, and of course, charge from possoession.  There are no free days.