How to Add a Housemate or Partner to Your Lease

If you’re renting a property, you may have considered adding a housemate or partner to your lease agreement.

Doing so can have benefits for both you and your potential new tenant, including splitting rent and bills and making it easier to manage the property. However, it’s important to follow the correct procedures and ensure that all parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities. In this article, we will outline the steps involved in adding a housemate or partner to your lease agreement in Western Australia. 

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The steps involved to add another person to your lease 

Adding another person to your lease can be a straightforward process if you follow the right steps. Below you’ll find the essential steps you need to take to add another person to your lease agreement in Western Australia.  

Check your lease agreement 

The first step is to check your lease agreement to see whether you are allowed to add a housemate or partner. Some lease agreements may have a clause that prohibits subletting or adding additional tenants without the landlord's approval. If this is the case, you will need to speak to your landlord and request their permission to add a tenant. If your lease agreement does not prohibit subletting or adding tenants, you can move on to the next step. 

Speak to your housemate or partner 

Before you add a tenant to your lease agreement, you need to have a conversation with your potential new tenant. You should discuss the details of the lease agreement, including the amount of rent and bills they will be responsible for, their rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and any other relevant information. This is also a good opportunity to establish house rules and expectations to ensure a harmonious living environment. 

Complete a tenancy application 

Once you have spoken to your potential new tenant and they are interested in moving in, you will need to complete a tenancy application. This application will ask for details such as the tenant's name, contact information, employment status, and rental history. You will need to submit this application to your landlord or property manager for approval. 

Sign a new lease agreement 

If your landlord approves the tenancy application, you will need to sign a new lease agreement that includes your new tenant's details. This lease agreement should outline the terms of the tenancy, including the amount of rent and bills, the duration of the lease, and any other relevant information. All parties should read and sign the lease agreement to acknowledge their agreement to the terms. 

Lodge the bond 

In Western Australia, landlords are required to lodge the bond with the Bond Administrator within 14 days of receiving it. If you are adding a housemate or partner to your lease agreement, you will need to lodge the additional bond amount with the Bond Administrator. The bond is a security deposit that is held to cover any unpaid rent or damage to the property at the end of the tenancy. 

Notify the utility companies 

If you are adding a housemate or partner to your lease agreement, you will need to notify the utility companies of the new tenant's details. This includes electricity, gas, water, and any other relevant utilities. You should also discuss how bills will be split between the tenants and ensure that everyone is aware of their responsibility to pay their share. 

Keep a record of payments 

Once your new tenant moves in, it is important to keep a record of rent and bill payments. This can be done through a shared spreadsheet or app, or by using a paper ledger. Keeping accurate records can help to avoid disputes and ensure that everyone is paying their fair share. 

Additional steps you may want to consider 

The above steps are the essential steps you’ll need to take to add a housemate or partner to your lease in Western Australia, but here are some additional steps that may need to be taken depending on your specific situation. 

Obtain written consent from the landlord 

Before proceeding with adding another person to your lease agreement, you will need to obtain written consent from your landlord. This is especially important if your lease agreement does not allow for subletting or adding tenants. 

To obtain written consent, you may need to submit a written request to your landlord, providing details about the new tenant and their relationship to you. Your landlord may require additional information or documentation, such as proof of income, a credit check, or references from previous landlords. 

Amend the lease agreement 

Depending on the terms of your existing lease agreement, you may need to amend the agreement to reflect the addition of another tenant. This may involve drafting a new lease agreement that includes all parties involved or adding an addendum to the existing lease agreement. 

The new lease agreement or addendum should include details about the new tenant, such as their name, contact information, and rental responsibilities. All parties involved should review and sign the new lease agreement or addendum to ensure that everyone understands and agrees to the terms. 

Conduct a credit and background check 

If you are adding a new tenant to your lease agreement, it's a good idea to conduct a credit and background check to ensure that they have a good rental history and can afford to pay their share of the rent and bills. You can request a credit and background check from a reputable agency, such as Equifax or Experian, or ask the prospective tenant to provide this information. 

The credit and background check should include information about the tenant's employment history, credit score, criminal record, and rental history. This information can help you make an informed decision about whether to add the tenant to your lease agreement. 

Update the insurance policy 

Adding another tenant to your lease agreement may impact your property insurance policy. You will need to update your policy to reflect the new arrangement and ensure that all tenants are adequately covered. 

Contact your insurance provider to discuss your options and make sure that you have the right coverage for your needs. You may need to adjust your coverage limits or add additional coverage, such as liability insurance, to protect yourself and your property. 

Establish house rules 

When adding another person to your lease agreement, it's important to establish house rules that everyone can agree on. This can help to avoid conflicts and ensure that everyone has a comfortable and safe living environment. The house rules should cover topics such as noise levels, cleaning responsibilities, guest policies, and common area use. All tenants should have a copy of the house rules and be required to agree to them in writing. This can help to prevent misunderstandings and disagreements down the line. 

Overall, it's important to consult with your landlord or property manager, as well as any relevant government agencies or legal professionals, to ensure that you are following all of the necessary steps and procedures when adding another person to your lease agreement. Taking the time to do things properly and using a professional property management Perth expert, such as Thought Leaders Real Estate, can help to protect you legally and financially and ensure that everyone involved has a positive experience. 

Conclusion 

Adding a housemate or partner to your lease agreement can have many benefits, but it is important to follow the correct procedures to ensure that all parties are protected. By checking your lease agreement, speaking to your potential new tenant, completing a tenancy application, signing a new lease agreement, lodging the bond, notifying utility companies, and keeping a record of payments, you can add a new tenant to your property with confidence. 

In conclusion, adding another person to your lease agreement in Western Australia can be a complex process that requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above and seeking advice from relevant professionals, you can ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you and your new tenant have a comfortable and enjoyable living arrangement. 

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