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Dealing with Unauthorized Occupants

By PropsManager Team | Dec 17, 2025

Dealing with Unauthorized Occupants

Your lease is with the people you screened. If someone else moves in, you have a problem.

Guest vs. Tenant

Your lease should define a guest policy (e.g., "Guests may stay no longer than 14 days in a 6-month period"). If they stay longer or move in furniture/receive mail, they are an unauthorized tenant.

The Risks

  • You don't know their criminal history.
  • They are not liable for the rent.
  • Overcrowding can violate fire codes.

Steps to Take

  1. Talk to the Tenant: "I noticed someone else seems to be living here. Per the lease, all adults must be approved."
  2. Application: Offer to let the person apply. If they pass screening, add them to the lease.
  3. Notice to Cure: If they don't apply or fail screening, serve a "Cure or Quit" notice requiring the unauthorized person to leave.
  4. Eviction: If they refuse, you may have to evict the original tenant for lease violation.

Conclusion

Nip this in the bud early. The longer an unauthorized person stays, the harder it is to get them out.