We rent by bedroom, me and a roommate share a room. So, can we have a third person?

In most cases, whether you can have a third person share your bedroom depends on your lease agreement and the landlord's rules. If you’re renting by the bedroom, the lease may limit how many people can live in each room for safety and legal reasons. You should check your lease and talk to your landlord before adding a third person.

When this may be allowed

• Your lease or rental agreement does not specify a maximum number of occupants per bedroom.
• The landlord agrees to the additional occupant in writing.
• Local occupancy laws or housing codes allow the third person to live there.

What the landlord can do

• Enforce occupancy limits stated in the lease or local laws.
• Require the additional person to be added to the lease and screened.
• Charge additional rent or a security deposit for the extra occupant.

What the landlord cannot do

• Unreasonably deny a reasonable accommodation, like for a family member or disability, depending on local laws.
• Harass or intimidate tenants for adding someone if it follows the lease and laws.

What the tenant should do

• Review your lease carefully for occupancy rules.
• Ask your landlord in writing for permission to have a third person sharing the room.
• Understand that adding someone without permission can be a lease violation and risk eviction.

Important

Local laws and lease terms vary, so always check those first. Communicating openly with your landlord is the best way to avoid problems.