CT- More or fewer people on lease?

[Gary L.]

I have a group of 5 people interested in a house I’m renting out. I’ve been told they have good to excellent scores. Should I ask to put all of them on the lease and run employment/credit/background checks on everyone (which is a bit expensive at $30/person), or should I ask them to pick a couple of representatives to be on lease and be checked?

[Rob B.]

Hi Gary,

To be honest, the best approach (in my honest opinion) is to screen each adult over the age of 18 who plans to reside on the property and make sure that they're on the lease. Keeping in mind that roommates are severally liable for the rent and maintenance of the property, I'd just be careful about signing a lease that doesn't include one of the five individuals. However, if one of them decides to move, I do get how that can create a bit of a headache down the line.