New Investor Tenant Nightmare

[Umesh Patidar]

Hello,

I am from Seattle, Washington and recently decided to rent a part of my house. It's only 10 days since I rented the house and already have issues. Hoping that the BP community can help me figure out my next steps.

I have a single family house and I live downstairs and rent out the upstairs. The tenant moved in on July 1st who was supposed to be a single occupant. I have noticed that there is another guy who is always there since day 1. In the beginning, I thought he might be helping her move in but after further investigation, I found that he claims to live in my house on social media. He is showing off the house on Facebook, his shoe collection, rooms he is going to use for his office, music, etc. There is no sign or mention of the original tenant living in the property. In the tenant application she referred to him as his boss. The lease specifically states that any occupant who stays over 10 days in a calendar quarter is a violation of the lease unless prior written consent is given by landlord.

What are my options considering my situation above? I can ask the unauthorized occupant to be part of the lease and go through the screening process. However, I suspect it's going to come clean or else they would have applied together to begin with.

Thanks in advance for all your comments and suggestions!!

[Caroline Gerardo]

Confront tenant today it's 10 days in a calm and business manner. I don't know what your agreement really says or what type of contract you have. Tenant planned this. Then follow up with a letter. I would increase the lease if it's two people as that is more utilities, noise, and headaches. Sounds like is "boyfriend" not boss and the applicant did not tell the truth. Inslee extended eviction ban in WA to September so follow all the nitty gritty laws as to notice for your state.