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Updated over 6 years ago on . Most recent reply
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TX - Adding roommates to a tenant's lease
I'll get right to it...
Guy moves in to my rental. All is fine . Three months later I've discovered he has moved three roommates into the place. I have no idea who these people are, where they work, credit, background, etc. I spoke with a real estate agent friend of mine and he said I need to get everyone on the lease asap to protect myself in case I need to evict. He said you can't evict someone who isn't on the lease.
Now, the question is, should they all have to do a rental application and pass both background and credit check before being allowed to stay?
Or could they legally be added to a lease amendment listing them as "occupants" then whatever happens - the original tenant is held liable?
Or should a new lease be drawn up and have all four people listed as "tenants" and all jointly and severally liable?
Thanks so much. I really hope somebody out there has some wisdom on the subject and is willing to share it with a newbie.
-Anthony