Guests are something that you expect from time to time from your tenants. A friend here, a date there, parents or siblings another day. But you have seen someone in your tenant’s apartment from time to time. You wonder – are they just visiting or are they living there? How do you know for sure? Well, you can’t know 100$ for sure whether someone has actually moved in and they’re not just a guest. But below are three signs that the person might just be there for the long-term and not just for a night or two.
They’re There for a Long Time
It’s not a problem that a tenant has guests standing in their apartment. However, if the ‘guest’ is there every night, it may be time to talk with your tenant about long-term guests.
It’s a good idea to have clauses in the lease agreement which will address how long the guest is allowed to stay before they’re considered a tenant. An example would be if the guest’s staying a month or longer, then they are going to get added.
There may be certain laws in the jurisdiction about tenant guests, so if you are unsure, it’s prudent to consult with an attorney if need be.
They’ve Begun Paying Rent
If the guest of your tenant has begun contributing to their rent each month, it’s likely safe to assume they’re living there. But, it also is possible that your renter’s having some financial issues and a family member or friend is helping them out.
That being said, if you have noticed that the guest is there a lot of the time and they’re paying towards the rent, it’s possible they’re also living there. If that’s the case, it’s time to speak with your tenant and get the guest added to the lease.
If you have some evidence that the lease was violated by the tenant by letting another person to move into space without you permitting it, you might have to take things further. However, it’s usually better to talk with them first.
They’re Getting Mail There
A third sign that a guest is now a tenant is they’re receiving mail there. However, remember that it’s possible the guest’s moving, and they just needed someplace where their mail could be sent until they’ve settled in.
This is another situation in which you might want to speak with the tenant to discover what exactly is happening so that you can decide what to do.
These are three signs that you may have an unexpected tenant in your current tenant’s apartment. How you handle this is up to you. however, keep in mind that things might go badly if you don’t get them on the lease and they are living there. It’s best to speak with your tenant and see if you can come to an understanding. You also want to look into the local laws to find out what is and isn’t legal so you know what kind of recourse you have, if any.
