First time landlord, need tenant advice

[Matthew Rayl]

BP, requesting a sanity check. I am about to be a landlord for my first time and I am in the military. Transitioning existing San Diego, CA SFR into a rental. I will only be moving 20 minutes away. Lived in existing house for 9 years and have great relationships with neighbors around my house. House was new construction.

1)  I have three prospective single tenants.  All three are military from different commands, but only one wants his name on the lease due to the three being of different ranks.   I have performed credit checks on all three (mid-600s), have copies of LES (paystub), currently reaching out to past landlords and contacting command supervisors.   The one prospective tenant that wants only his name on the lease is the highest ranking (E-7) and about to go on shore duty (i.e. he will not be deployable for the next 3 years).   It was explained that he would be assuming all the risk and be responsible for the whole lease.  Anyone see a big issue if I acquiesce to this request for only one of the three people to be on the lease?

2)  Same tenants request to have up to 3 total dogs (1 each).  They do not have the dogs yet, but request the option to get them during the lease.   Assuming the dog breeds are compliant with my homeowner's policy, I stated >35lbs = $25/mo/dog and <35lbs = $50/mo/dog.  Plus an additional $500/dog security deposit.  Commercial grade tile throughout downstairs, carpet upstairs.  Am I missing anything or are there any red flags I should consider?

Thanks in advance!

-Matt

[Dan H.]

We write our lease such that each tenant is individually financially responsible.  If 2 tenants take off in the middle of the night, the remaining tenant is financially responsible for the entire rent and any damage that exists at move out. It provides you a greater level of financial safety.  I recommend that all parties are on the lease and that your lease is written so that each tenant is financially responsible.  

About half of our units allow animals (do not use the word pets due to support animals).  On those units we charge $100 deposit/animal, $50 additional rent for first animal and $25 additional rent for each additional animal.  We must approve each animal individually.  We meet each animal to ensure it is well behaved and trained.  Puppies can cause a lot of damage.   Misbehaved animals can cause a lot of damage.   Worse, untrained animals often are not socialized properly and may present greater risk to people and animals.  I recommend your lease have a clause that each animal must be individually approved.