Guest Staying Past 14 Days

[Michael Temple]

I have a some student renters in a house and one of them is an international student. They have a friend that is going back home overseas, but needs a place to stay until he can go back, which is early December. They are letting him stay with them, which technically violates a lease clause I have that says no long term guests passed 14 days. They are assuring me he is not an additional tenant and is definitely going back home in about 3-4 weeks. They were honest and disclosed it to me upfront. I didn't find out on my own, so I give them credit for disclosing it and being upfront.

I understand why you don't want long term additional tenants moving in after the lease is signed and this doesn't sound like that type of situation, but I have also been firm in following my lease terms with residents. I am torn on this one. They are great residents and take really good care of the place, but I fear the cycle of letting lease terms being ignored and not enforcing them and what happens when that cycle starts.

My gut is this will not lead to problems, but I am old enough to know that "your gut" isn't the best way to run a business. Thoughts?