How to screen a roommate being added to existing lease?

[Zayda Arzen]

Hi BP Friends,

I’m a new landlord and am just closing on my first investment property. The tenants I’m inheriting in our owner-occupied triplex want to add a roommate. I said yes, as long as the individual passes a credit check and background screening (through Cozy.co). Then I will use a roommate addendum that I’ve gotten from a local landlording organization to add him to the lease. My question is this: how do I screen him in terms of income, seeing as how the current tenants have already met the income requirements? Normally I’d say minimum income 3x the monthly rent, but he will be one of three adults living in the unit and they were already screened by the previous property management company. My fear is that the current tenants will move out and this tenant will remain in the unit and want to add a roommate himself, so I need to ensure that he has adequate income. How would you set income screening criteria?

Lastly, do I need to set criteria and inform him of my criteria BEFORE screening him, per fair housing regulations?

I very much appreciate your responses!!

Zayda