I needed to call my resident today, and asked to come do an inspection next week to help out the HOA (we need to prove to the water company that we do not have boiler heaters). As we talked for a few minutes, he said that he had been meaning to ask me about the process to add a roommate - he had been renting by himself.

I told him the procedures, and we agreed that I would come down to meet her and give her the paperwork for the application, etc. When I got there, it was pretty clear that she had already moved in.

Now, I really don't think this resident was hiding her from me, he just hadn't gotten around to it. Based on earlier conversations about his lease renewal, I am fairly confident that she has moved in within the past month. And my asking if I could come over reminded him. First glance says that this new roommate will be fine - I don't anticipate credit, rental or criminal past based on our conversation, but I will be performing a full background check, with the understanding that if she doesn't pass, out she goes.

So, the lesson here is, and it has been said many times on this board, make regular visits. Even if it is just to change the filter (which I did while I was there). Getting in the house or apartment can sometimes brings up things that otherwise would just go undiscussed. I may never have known about the roommate. Have regular conversations, ask if anything has changed. Get somebody in there.

Good luck out there.