Imagine this scenario: your tenant, David, just had his work hours cut and is inviting his friend Rick to help share the cost of rent. Another tenant, Jill, has welcomed her sister Chrissy, who needs a place to stay after a divorce. Then there’s Meg and Jim, a couple moving in together, filled with excitement and big plans.
Do Rick, Chrissy, and Jim belong on the lease? And should they undergo a tenant screening process that includes credit and background checks? The answer is a resounding yes. This is as much for the protection of your tenants as it is for your property and peace of mind.
Why It’s Crucial to Screen Roommates
Bringing on roommates isn’t always as simple as an offer to split rent. As a landlord or property manager, you have significant interests to protect. When an additional person moves in without a formal vetting process, you lose the opportunity to ensure your new occupant meets the same standards as the original tenant. This can impact not only the financial stability of your rental but also its safety and upkeep.
According to the National Apartment Association (NAA), adding an unscreened roommate can expose property owners to unnecessary risk, as each individual should meet the property’s financial and background criteria before moving in.
Why It Matters
Tenants listed on the lease are jointly and separately responsible for upholding all terms, from rent payments to general conduct within the property. If Tim decides to move out to Oregon next month, Molly remains liable for his portion of the rent. By ensuring that each roommate is on the lease, you retain the legal and financial authority necessary to enforce the agreement and protect your business.
This legal principle, often called “joint and several liability,” underscores the importance of formal agreements. According to LegalZoom, this setup holds each tenant accountable for the entire lease, which means that if one person defaults, the other must cover the cost .
Stake with an Unscreened Roommate
While it may seem harmless for tenants to take on a roommate, landlords should approach each addition with caution. Unscreened roommates could pose a liability risk, introduce criminal history concerns, or create unmanageable situations for tenants and property managers alike.
A report by TransUnion indicates that roughly 44% of landlords have experienced property damage or lease violations from tenants who were inadequately vetted . This makes a case screening each resident with the same rigor, even if they’re “just” a roommate.
Setting the Right Expectations with Your Tenants
Sometimes, tenants simply aren’t aware of the ramifications of adding an unscreened roommate. It can be helpful to communicate why you need each person living in the unit to undergo a credit and criminal background check, explaining that it’s to ensure a safe, financially secure living environment. By making screening a regular practice for all occupants, you’re establishing a culture of transparency and trust.
One approach is to add a clause to the lease agreement that addresses the addition of roommates. The American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA) suggests including a provision that requires all new occupants to be screened and added to the lease before they can move in .
Screening roommates: A comprehensive screening process should cover key areas like credit history, criminal background, and rental history. By using a reputable service, you’ll receive a report that can help you make informed decisions. This adds an extra layer of security not only for your rental but also for existing tenants who may be concerned about who they’re living with.
According to tenant screening experts, a thorough background check can reveal red flags, such as prior evictions or a criminal record, that might otherwise go unnoticed. Western Verify, for instance, offers enhanced services that provide property owners with insights beyond standard background checks, ensuring you have a full picture before adding anyone to your lease.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Property One Roommate at a Time
When it comes to tenant screening, it’s essential to approach each resident with the same level of scrutiny, even if they’re only there to help split the rent. Friends, family, or significant others can bring joy and support to your tenants’ lives, but they can also bring risks if not properly vetted.
Screening every roommate isn’t about creating barriers; it’s about protecting your property, your existing tenants, and your bottom line. After all, a safe and stable rental environment is one where everyone is on the same page — and on the same lease.