If you can't stack the deck in your favor in this manner, then don't play the game.

Kevin, Well as all replies so far are rainbows and sunshine, I aparently will have to play the storm cloud.

But even if it's a nothing, you just networked with someone that knows how to play the game, and it could lead to other things in the future (capital or someone to sell to).Thumbs up

The lease may state that they have the right to formally amend the lease upon the addition of a new roommate, in which case the OP has to play the game by that rule.

A good plan may be to buy a property and play the long-term game, similar to what investors have been doing in CA for years.If you think you can cash-flow plus generate a decent annual appreciation rate, it may be worth just buying something at a tighter initial ROI / COC.

We still play the game & even play it w/our kids.  

If you learn to play the whole game right, you'll not only not pay taxes on rentals, you'll be able to shift deductions to your other income side.Start by reading this book, so you can know what you can deduct and how to track/document it ahead of time, so you can provide the right info to your CPA at tax time: Every Landlord's Tax Deduction Guide.And while at it, since you are a landlord now and property manager (or manager of the property manager), read this so you get a head start on protecting your assets: Every Landlord's Property Protection Guide: 10 Ways to Cut Your Risk Now

Most are too fearful to persue the suit once they know how expensive it is to play the game.

There are countless HML on this site with reviews etc so you do not have to play the guessing game. 

This is a numbers gain and I realize I have to play the percentages to get the right deals.