Occupant Move Out

[Kyle Meyers]

A tenant's 18 year old child moved out. The child was listed as an occupant in the lease, but not a tenant and did not sign. The child still has keys to the unit. Can I change the locks at the request of the tenant? Do I need to have a new lease signed? If another occupant is going to move in, what should I do?

[Ed O.]

Are you worried about the legal angle? If so, have the tenants change the locks and give you a key. I'm not sure why you're concerned about signing a new lease. If anything, you could modify the lease if you really wanted to, in order to remove the child as an occupant. If another adult occupant moves in, you'll want to qualify them, screen them, and then put them on the lease, this, is a no-brainer.