Helping Out a Friend

Just recently we have had several tenants that have signed a lease and then allowed their "Friends" to move in, only to realize that they are not that good of friends.  Signing a lease and allowing your buddies to move in sounds like the ideal thing to do it, but it can lead to big problems.

1) If they are not listed as occupants on the lease, you are in violation of your lease, grounds for eviction.

2) If they don't keep the place clean there is nothing that the Landlord can do, other then send you a 14-30 day notice that you are in violation of your lease, grounds for eviction.

3) If they don't pay their portion of the rent you will be the one that is evicted.

4) If they trash the place and move out, you will be the one that looses your security deposit.
Need I say more?

So may I suggest that before you allow your place to be the catch all for your friends, you should clearly understand the ramifications that may occur.