are tenants grandchildren guests? - Landlord Forum thread 356123

are tenants grandchildren guests? by Mariana (California) on February 10, 2018 @16:24

I recently acquired a 2 bedroom duplex in LA. A couple signed a lease for themselves and named their two sons as their only occupants in 2003.
Now in 2018 those two sons are ~30 years old. One son has left and the other son that remains has a wife living together. she is not named in the lease. In addition, the son and his wife have two children(~ 4 and 10 years old).
I believe I can increase rent 10% for the wife who is not named in lease(please correct me if I am wrong). I am not sure the laws on grandchildren also living in the unit. Do I impose rent increase on them too?
There are 6 people living in a 2 bed room and not the most friendly tenants either. even after I have nicely fixed clogged pipes, cracked sink and cabinets for them.

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Re: are tenants grandchildren guests? by Anonymous on February 10, 2018 @19:55	[ Reply ]

Unauthorized occupants. Give them a thirty day notice that the apartment is no longer for rent. Move on, and find new tenants. You don't have identification or a background check done on the wife, do you? All adults need to be on the lease.

Re: are tenants grandchildren guests? by Garry (Iowa) on February 10, 2018 @19:59	[ Reply ]

Are you under any kind of rent control in your area ? What are the occupancy standards for the area----are you able to enforce a 2 person per bedroom standard ? NEVER try to enforce rules/standards/occupancy/rent increases on the backs of minor children. You don't want to run into problems of discrimination against families with children. They seem to be very long-term tenants. And I'm sure a 10% rent increase is justified. Check your local and state laws to be sure you are within them. What type of lease is currently in place ? Are you considering giving them notice to move, and finding new tenants at a current market rent ? Don't bring up things you have repaired in the past, UNLESS it was damages caused by the tenant, and not normal wear and tear.

Re: are tenants grandchildren guests?

Re: are tenants grandchildren guests? by Anonymous on February 11, 2018 @10:48	[ Reply ]

Landlord can run into trouble when they get overly involved in the private family affairs of their tenants. You need to check how your state laws handle these things before you end up in discrimination territory. Let's deal with the children first, as this is a no-brainer. Tenants (or occupants) can have children at any time they want, through the usual method, adoption, surrogacy, whatever. A single parent can have their children come stay or live with them any time. They don't need your permission and you can't charge them extra. All they have to do is tell you of the change in occupancy. Some (most?) states also make provisions for when people get married. Someone can get married whenever they want, and they don't need to ask your permission, and you don't get to charge them extra. People are allowed to live with their spouse. They have to notify you of an extra occupant. Please familiarize yourself with fair housing laws. Here is a good Q&A to read. Your mileage may vary based on your state, but federal housing laws apply to everyone. https://www.sfgate.com/realestate/article/Bringing-baby-home-doesn-t-change-lease-2522451.php

Re: are tenants grandchildren guests?