Lease Question

We recently realized that we never added my name to the lease of our apartment when we got married (tried to use the complex gym). We called the office and they sent us the paperwork to add me on.

Looking through it I noticed that under references they ask for my bank name, account number and type, and approximate balance. I am VERY uncomfortable giving this information to them.

Is this a normal thing to be on a lease? Is it legal?

Dh has been here for over 5 years, so he can't remember if they asked this then. Plus, they are charging me $50 to cover the application fee!

Anyone?

Re: Lease Question

Like any lease, they probably just want to make sure that you have the money to make the monthly payments. I do not see anything wrong with giving them the information. I think it is a regularity...

Re: Lease Question

I believe what is more standard is for you to give your consent for a credit check - to make sure that you have a good history of paying your bills. The application fee should cover their processing time as well as the cost of the credit check.

I suggest filling out the application and in this specific area I would either leave it blank or write 'already on file'. Esp since DH has been a tenant for 5 years....

Let them come back to you if they need more information.

Re: Lease Question

Here's a question - why do you need to be added to the lease in order to use the gym? If you had an 18 year old child who wanted a gym pass, would they have to be added to the lease as well?

Sounds like an awful lot of legal administration to use a stairmaster.

Re: Lease Question

Good question Karen!

I could use the gym with my DH as a guest, but can't go alone if I'm not on the lease!

The info they have on Dh's bank accts is now invalid. I'm assuming they don't know that. If I write on file, do you think they would re-check that info?

Re: Lease Question

Missmmpr,
we've been paying the rent here for 5 years and have NEVER been late. We moved from a one bedroom to a 2 bedroom and the rent is almost double. Thats why I feel a bit uncomfortable giving them this info. We pay our rent. I just want to use the gym!!

If it was a new lease, I can understand. But, they are just adding me on...

Re: Lease Question

I doubt they'd check - really. Adding you on is really more of an administrative task....and if they did check, then I'd talk to them about it. He's been a tenant for 5 years and I'm sure they have security deposit on file....I do not believe in giving more financial information than is really necessary.

Are they going to have you sign a new lease too? If so, cross check it with the original to make sure none of the terms or conditions have changed.

Re: Lease Question

I'm not sure if I have to sign a new lease. I have to call them anyway. Dh is the one who called requesting I be added on, and gave them my married name which is on the W-9 and the tenant rider they sent me.

Unfortunately, Miss (or should I say Mrs) Lazy here never changed her name Everything is still in my maiden name!

Re: Lease Question

hmm... i guess just ask them why they need that information...see what they say. If you don't feel comfortable giving it out, then I wouldn't

Re: Lease Question

I had a similiar thing happen to me at the apt complex that DH and I are about to move out of. We lived here for two years and all of a sudden they said that if I lived here I had to be on the lease (I was listed as a room mate before). They made me give all of that information as well stating that since I had to be listed on the lease than I was liable for the rent as well and if anything was to happen to him that they needed to make sure that I would be able to afford the place on my own. It stunk but it kinda made sense.

Re: Lease Question

Both FH and I had to give our bank accounts, etc, for a credit check. I wouldn't be worried, it's no big deal. Anyone over 18 has to be on the lease in most complexes that I've lived in., but I've not had a problem.

Re: Lease Question

Ok, thanks girls!!

I've never had to do this before so I wasn't sure if it was typical!