Landlord Question and Answer Forum

I'm a first time landlord so I need all the advice anyone cares to give. I'm leasing my house to a relative and she intends to have a boyfriend live with her. We agreed with a written lease that she would be the tenant on the lease responsible for paying the rent. I've prepared a formal written lease for her signature. Please advise if I should ask for a credit check on the relative? I don't anticipate any problems with her paying the rent, but you never know. Should I at least ask for her social security number and a copy of her drivers license? Has anyone ever been in this situation? Please advise.

All in all you need to protect yourself. I understand it is family, but to make sure things dont get mixed up, I would keep things as specific as possible and do all you can to keep yourself safe in this sitaution. Also, will the boyfriend be paying rent? If he is - I would get a credit check on him. Its all personal preference. You need to keep yourself safe in the end.

Posted by Clark F, OK on Friday, November 18, 2011

ALWAYS PREPARE FOR THE WORST AND HOPE FOR THE BEST. INCASE YOU EVER NEED TO EVICT ANY TENANT WHO OCCUPIES YOUR REAL PROPERTY YOU WILL NEED THE COMPLETE LEGAL NAME OF ALL ADULTS LIVING IN THE PROPERTY WHETHER THEIR NAME IS ON THE LEASE OR NOT. SSN BANK ACCT NUMBERS PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT ETC ARE NECESSARY IF YOU WANT TO COLLECT ON A JUDGEMENT TO TRY TO RECOVER FINANCIALLY.WE NEVER RENT TO FAMILY OR EVEN FRIENDS OF FAMILY BECAUSE OF THE HUMAN PROBLEM OF TAKING ADVANTAGE AND SAYING THEY DONT HAVE THE MONEY THIS MONTH, OR CAN THEY HAVE A FREE MONTH FOR CHRISTMAS . ETC. GOOD LUCK BUT GET THE INFO UPFRONT. VALERIE MASEULI

Posted by SALEVAO M, CA on Tuesday, December 27, 2011