Change of Renters on an Existing Lease

If you need to change the renters listed on an existing lease, Cubbi follows a structured process to ensure the tenancy continues smoothly. This includes ID verification and screening of incoming renters, preparing the required document to formalise the change, and advising on any bond updates.

Property owners do not have to agree to the change but typically need a valid reason to refuse. At the bottom of this page, you'll find a brief overview of the general risks owners face when adding renters to an existing lease. Managing this process carefully helps protect all parties and supports a more stable tenancy.

Changing Renters Process

Cubbi follows the Cubbi Method to make this process clear and reliable:

1. Owner & Renter Discuss the Change
   • Agree on who is moving in or out, the date of change, and any fees.

   • Cubbi charges $229 for this process, which is a reasonable expense the tenant may need to reimburse the owner. If the owner intends to pass on this cost, the tenant should acknowledge it upfront.

     If screening of incoming renters is not required the fee is $199.

2. Owner Starts the Process
   • To begin, click here to Start the Process
3. Cubbi Creates a Bill for the Owner
   • The owner must have a Payment Method set up to pay the bill.
4. Incoming Renters Apply & Complete Screening
   • New renters apply through Cubbi and undergo processional screening (includes checking the renter's rental history, ID, references, income, and a professional recommendation based on your property).
   • If no one is replacing the outgoing renter, Cubbi can provide advice on how this may impact the tenancy.
5. Approval & Payment
   • The $229 fee is charged after screening but before preparing the new lease agreement (providing all parties want to continue).
   • Cubbi will invoice your tenant for reimbursement (to you) however you can elect not to seek reimbursement.
6. Updating the Lease & Bond
   • Cubbi prepares the updated lease agreement and send it out for signing by all parties including the outgoing renters (which is why a simple lease renewal does not replace this process).
   • The owner should update the bond record to reflect the new tenancy arrangement. Cubbi can advice on this.

Start the Process

Who Pays for the Change?

The owner pays $229 to Cubbi for facilitating this process. Owners can recover this cost from the tenant by choosing to:

1. Invoice the tenant directly through their Cubbi dashboard.
2. Request Cubbi to invoice the tenant on their behalf. (by selecting the option in step 2 above)

Alternative Approach (No Cost)

You can handle the renter change on your own and then ask Cubbi to update the renter names on the platform. However, this does not update the official lease.

Click here to notify us to just update the names on the platform - Select ‘No’ to the $229 (or $199) when it asks you to approve the charge.

Warning: If you only update names on the platform and then renew the lease, a renter who moved out could later say they never agreed to be removed from the lease. For example, if you had renters A, B, and C, and you removed C from the platform before doing a lease renewal, the new lease wouldn’t include Renter C. But since C never signed anything confirming they were removed, they could later claim they never formally agreed to it and argue they still have a right to move back in.

FAQs

What if all renters are leaving?

It’s usually best to end the existing tenancy and start fresh with new tenants. This avoids complications with the bond and requires a new condition report.

Can I switch from a company lease to a personal lease (or vice versa)?

Yes, but since this involves a completely different legal entity, we strongly advise following this process to ensure the lease terms remain enforceable.

What if it’s just a name change (e.g., after marriage)?

If a tenant has legally changed their name, they only need to notify the owner. This process can still be used if a formal agreement is preferred.

Do I need to follow the Change of Renter process if no renters are leaving?

If you’re adding a new renter but no one is leaving, you might wonder whether to go through this Change of Renter process or just renew the lease.

A lease renewal can work, but it usually only happens at the end of a fixed-term lease. The Change of Renter process can be done at any time and is often the better option because:

• It ensures proper screening of the new renter (ID, income, and reference checks).
• It may be required by your landlord insurance provider to show you minimised your risk.
• It keeps the current lease terms in place without needing a full renewal.

Will my landlord insurance need documents when adding or removing a renter?

If you make a claim, your landlord insurance provider may ask for proof that you minimised your risk when adding or removing a renter from an existing lease. This could include:

• Change of Renter document (to update the lease)
• ID verification
• Income verification
• Reference checks

Following the Cubbi Method keeps you covered, ensuring you meet best practices for protecting your investment. Start the Process

General Risks

Even with professional screening of incoming renters, adding renters to an existing lease carries higher risks. These situations often indicate instability in the household, increasing the likelihood of future changes and potential disruptions (e.g., to rent payments). Additionally, new renters may see themselves as separate from the original group rather than equally responsible for all lease obligations. This can lead to disputes at the end of the tenancy, particularly over damages or cleaning, as newer renters may not feel accountable for issues that occurred before they moved in. Managing this process carefully can help minimise these risks and maintain a more stable tenancy.