Can my wife move in with me to my apartment? (Boston)

[kris_hetfield 11]

I live in a condo in Boston with 4 people and would like to stay on. I plan to renew my lease in August and am getting married next year. I wanted to find out if there will be a problem with my future-wife moving in to my room in the condo. Below are some details from the lease.

The lease is titles Standard Form Apartment Lease (Fixed Term)

There is a section that states:
"SUBLETTING, NUMBER OF OCCUPANTS

The Lessee shall not assign nor underfet any part or the whole of the leased premises, nor shall permit in the leased premises to be occupied for a period longer than a temporary visit for anyone except the individuals specifically named in the first paragraph of this lease, their spouses and any children born to them during the term of this lease of any extension or renewal thereof without first obtaining on each occasion the assent in writing of the Lessor."

There is also an "ADDENDUM TO LEASE" in which one of the points states:

"Occupancy is limited to the above named lessees only."

Thanks for taking the time to go through my post. Looking for any opinions or advice to this situation. I'm wondering if my landlord would be willing to allow her to be on the lease or to allow her as my spouse. I have never missed rent and will be completing my 2nd year of occupancy.

[TBoneTX 45,850]

You need to ask the landlord.

[Caryh 5,206]

It sounds to me like that addendum was added because you already have 4 people living in the unit. You don't mention how many bedrooms you have, but I've seen leases that limit occupancy to the number of bedrooms + 1. In general, too many occupants in a unit causes a disproportionate amount of wear and tear, devaluing the owner's property. I think this is something you'd need to bring up with the landlord.

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

The addendum clearly states who can occupy the place. Your wife can't stay there with you. Talk to your landlord. You could be transfer to another unit or you may have to find a new place.

[Renvyle 3]

It sounds to me like that addendum was added because you already have 4 people living in the unit. You don't mention how many bedrooms you have, but I've seen leases that limit occupancy to the number of bedrooms + 1. In general, too many occupants in a unit causes a disproportionate amount of wear and tear, devaluing the owner's property. I think this is something you'd need to bring up with the landlord.

^ This.

The addendum doesn't negate the "spouse and child" portion of the lease language, but there may be a maximum occupancy issue. Best to talk to the landlord. They may allow your wife to move in, but they will definitely charge you more rent.