Reasonable rent increase for added tenant?

Reasonable rent increase for added tenant? by Tabi (WV) on July 10, 2012 @13:38

I posted last week about my tenants who let their sister move in without my knowledge 6 months ago and now want to add her to their new lease. (This is a 2 bedroom apartment.) I am still considering what I want to do about this, but I am leaning towards raising the rent to what would make it worth it to me to continue renting to them, and leaving the ball in their court. If they can afford it, great. If not, then they can find someplace else.

My question is, what is a reasonable amount to raise the rent for this additional person? I don't want to be seen as trying to force them out, because that's not really my aim.

I have analyzed my utility bills--I pay their water and electricity--and my bills have gone up an average of $50/month since the sister moved in. I didn't notice this at first because I am on the budget plan which evens out the payments over the year. So that's $50 just in additional expenses. Would an additional $50 for wear and tear, noise, etc., for a total of $100 extra rent, be reasonable? Or is that asking for too much?

Thanks.

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Re: Reasonable rent increase for added tenant? by The Dude (MN) on July 10, 2012 @13:40	[ Reply ]

That's more than reasonable. I'd do $200 for an extra person moving in if there was an open bedroom. Though it depends on what they're paying now and what percentage this increase will be.

Re: Reasonable rent increase for added tenant?

Re: Reasonable rent increase for added tenant? by NY-LL on July 10, 2012 @15:00	[ Reply ]

Before the landlord accepts the unauthorized tenant, the landlord should request a full rental application with credit report and criminal background check to confirm the tenant’s legitimacy. Otherwise, the primary tenant may vacate, leaving the landlord with an unemployed criminal fraud with someone elses’ credit profile. While we would charge an additional two hundred ($200.00) dollars per month for the additional adult occupant, this was not the case of a legitimate request prior to violation. Request the back rent with the full rental application disclosure for approval by landlord.

Re: Reasonable rent increase for added tenant?

Re: Reasonable rent increase for added tenant? by Jake on July 10, 2012 @16:10	[ Reply ]

You want to add the squatter to the lease but can not decide? This person is already a tenant so it does not make much difference. Here is something to think about. When you raise the rent and the couple moves, the squatter will be the one you are left with...on or off the lease.