When renting a home, many tenants wonder what the rules are when it comes to having guests. While it’s completely reasonable to have friends or family visit occasionally, there are often specific lease provisions that regulate how long guests can stay and how often. At Silberman Realty, we use the standard Texas Association of Realtors® (TAR) Residential Lease, and it includes clear guidelines around this issue to help protect both the property and the landlord’s interests.
Guest Stays Are Generally Limited to 10 Days
Under Paragraph 12E of the TAR lease form, landlords can designate a specific number of days a guest is allowed to stay at the property without being considered a tenant. At Silberman Realty, we typically allow up to 10 days for a guest to stay during any 30-day period. If a tenant wishes to have someone stay longer than this, they are required to seek written permission.
No “Reset” by Leaving Briefly
One important part of this guest policy is that tenants cannot bypass the 10-day limit by having a guest leave for a day and then return for another extended stay within the same month. The rule is a 10-day maximum in any rolling 30-day window, not just 10 consecutive days. This prevents a situation where a guest is effectively living at the property without being screened or added to the lease.
Flexibility With Responsible Tenants, But Limits Exist
At Silberman Realty, we understand that tenants sometimes have legitimate reasons for having guests over for longer periods. If rent is being paid on time, the property is being well maintained, and there are no issues, we may show some flexibility. However, repeated or extended guest stays can cause significant wear and tear on a rental home and, over time, become a concern. When that happens, we may need to enforce the guest limits outlined in the lease to protect the property and maintain a peaceful living environment.
Final Thoughts
The guest policy is in place to strike a balance between tenant flexibility and the protection of the rental property. If you’re ever in doubt about what’s allowed, the best course of action is always to reach out to your property manager and ask for clarification or permission in advance.