Why do landlords require every tenant to sign the lease?

Question

My bf and I are looking to rent. we found a very cheap rental good enough for just 2 people. he has bad credit and a utility bill in collections. I have great credit, no collections. the landlord wants both of us on the lease. we also explained to him that my bf doesn't work. so he legally isnt responsible for paying the rent payment. We've also tried low income apaprtments. their all the same. so if you have utility bill in collections, you must be homeless?

Answer 1

Landlords require all adults who will be occupying the rental to fill out applications and sign the lease to protect themselves.

Your boyfriend has bad credit and an unpaid account in collections, most landlords would reject both of you due to this.

Answer 2

damages caused by either party

Answer 3

Because everyone who lives there is responsible for the rent. If one of you skips out, the landlord wants a promise that the other person can take over payment of the rent. If one half of your party doesn’t have the ability to do so, the landlord takes an unreasonable risk in renting to you.

Answer 4

i have found that the lease thing is more common in the city, while i live in a city and signing a lease common practice, my dad owns apartments  outside another major city and having tenets sign leases is very uncommon.

you could try renting the apt without the boyfriend present. i have rented 2BR by myself cause i needed the room. you could try that.

Answer 5

Landlords require all tenants to sign the lease so if one person bails the remaining tenants are still liable for making payments.

Just because your boyfriend doesn't work does not mean he is not responsible for paying the rent legally. I was in a similar situation when I started renting my place. As long as we could demonstrate we could pay the rent (usually as long as your monthly income is 3x's the rent you are OK).

Think about if from the landlords side. They don't know that you are responsible. They are just trying to cover themselves.