We all know that once the landlord and tenant sign the lease agreement, it means they both agree on the terms. It finalizes the binding contract. However, some events may result in changes in the lease. For example, the tenant requests to remove a specific clause. If the landlord agrees to it, a modification is possible. People expect that leasing agents know about these things. So I suggest you keep on reading to learn more.

Another example of a change in the contract is adding tenants. All adult tenants who signed the lease agreement are responsible for following the rules set by the landlord. They should remember to pay the utility bills, maintain the property, and adhere to what is stipulated. Someone who lives in the property but is not on the contract is not considered a tenant. But if they want to, they can become one. Here are the steps to add another tenant:

Step One: Written Request

Sometimes a tenant invites another person to live with them permanently. It may be a family member who wants to stay in town or a friend who wants a roommate. These are reasonable, but the tenant still has to ask permission from the landlord.

The correct way of doing it is to submit a written letter. The letter should state the request to add another tenant to the lease. It is not as simple as asking verbally. The request should be formal.

Step Two: Occupancy Limit

All properties have their occupancy limits. A landlord cannot rent out a single-bedroom unit to ten people, am I right? It is not possible to fit that many people in a small space. Because of this, the landlord must check the occupancy limit.

The landlord cannot rent to more than the property’s capacity. There are state laws for occupancy limits, and he should familiarize himself with those. The landlord should make sure that adding a tenant will not exceed it. If it does, he should notify the tenant why he denied the request.

Step Three: Ask for an application form

The tenants have the responsibility to take care of the property. A landlord could not accept a new tenant without knowing their information. They have to go through screening just like everyone else.

The landlord must ask for a completed application form and verify it through background checks. If they have references, the landlord can ask them about the applicant too. Like all applications, it can either be approved or rejected.

Step Four: Yes or No

After the landlord screens the tenant, either he qualifies them or denies them. The decision still lies at the landlord’s discretion. Making this decision is not easy because the landlord has to ensure that the potential renter is responsible.

If the landlord decides that the applicant is not fit to become a tenant, he must notify them. He should also explain why. If the landlord approves, he must meet with the old tenant and the new tenant to sign a new lease agreement.

Step Five: Go over the contract with the tenants

The landlord should review the contract with all the tenants in the property. He should inform them of the new changes brought about by the additional person. They should know that they are all responsible for paying the rent and utility bills.

The new tenant must check the lease agreement and everything in it. Once he agrees, they can all sign. It will make the changes official and final. Remind the landlord to make copies of the new lease agreement for the tenants.

Adding a new tenant can become an advantage to the current one. For starters, they would have someone to share the expenses with every month. A landlord should be open to the possibility of this happening. And he should know what to do once it does.

If a landlord can’t accommodate his tenant’s prospective roommate, you can show the latter the other listings you have published on Padleads. They may find a property that’s perfect for them.