Can a Landlord Increase the Rent if the Tenant Brings in a Roommate
My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: TN
I rented a house to a single woman, with the understanding it would be just her living there. No specifics about additional renters in the lease. After moving in, she moved in a male platonic roommate. I was surprised by that, although she did ask my permission first. Is it customary for a landlord to increase rent when that happens? Since the additional renter contributes more wear & tear on the house, hvac, etc.
Re: Can a Landlord Increase the Rent if the Tenant Brings in a Roommate
If you chose not to include any language in your lease that would prohibit the tenant from bringing in a roommate, even as a subtenant, and chose also not to include any provision in the lease that would trigger a rent increase based upon an additional occupant (or occupants), then you don't have a basis to increase the rent.
If this is a month-to-month tenancy, you can increase the rent for future months upon proper notice; otherwise, you may do so at the end of the lease term if the tenant chooses to remain in residence.
Re: Can a Landlord Increase the Rent if the Tenant Brings in a Roommate
I agree with Mr Kia but I will also add that it might be in your best interest to seriously read up on landlord tenant law for your area as you seem new to renting.
I would also add that if you are renting a house, you should automatically set your rental price based on at least 1 person for every bedroom that the home has. You simply cannot advertise a price that is X for one person, Y for two people, Z for three people etc. You can set a maximum occupancy (which is normally 2 persons per bedroom if an maximum is set).