Current Tenant Wants to Take on Roommate

[Anthony C.]

My current tenant has asked to search for a roommate. I have no problem with this, but I am curious how to handle the addition of another tenant. Should I have them do the same application process and ensure all qualifications are met as I did with the current tenant? i.e. Clean Background, Credit 600+, income 3x rent, landlord references. 

Or since my current tenant qualified for the income on her own, should I just check background and landlord references?

Any advice is much appreciated!

[Jon A.]

It depends if you want to let your current tenant sub lease the room to their new room mate. I don't allow sub leasing because I feel that I don't have any control over who comes and goes. When I have tenants that swap out room mates I just ask that they meet the same criteria as the original group and have them sign a new lease. 

Let's say for example, the first tenant wants to move but the new room mate has an agreement with that first tenant that dictates price and length of lease that exceeds your agreement with the original tenant. How would you deal with that new room mate whom you have never met and have not screened?

There's nothing wrong with tenants swapping out room mates and sometimes it will help you keep your unit occupied for longer periods of time. But I would have them sign a new lease agreement and explain to them that they are responsible for each other during the lease period. I don't take partial payments and I don't give back partial deposits. One tenant is responsible for the others actions. 

As far as screening goes you would take into consideration their combined income, so 3x the rent looking at them collectively.