I'm looking for an apartment and I may be having my friend move in with me in the near future, but...?

I want to find a place that won't evict me for it. I already went to one place that was income based and they told me that moving someone else in with me was grounds for eviction. I understand that because it would affect the rent amount, but what about places that aren't income based? She lives 9 hours away, so I want to find a place, get settled in, and then be ready if she ends up having to come here (long story), and this also means she can't sign the lease with me. Would I be screwing us both over if I honestly went to the leasing office and asked if she could stay with me? Or is this something that I could get away with not telling anyone about (even though I really don't want to sneak around)? Does anybody have experience with this type of thing that could help me? Also, the rent is low enough that I can pay it on my own, so moving her in with me wouldn't affect my ability to pay rent at all. I just want to provide a place to help her get on her feet if she needs it.

I think you are answering your own question as you write it. Income based will affect you unless the person that moves in does not work. As for moving her in you will need to read the lease you sign closely. Most leases have a clause on when a "guest" turns into a tenant. On my leases it states:

Occupancy by guests for more than 3 days is prohibited without Landlord鈥檚 written consent and will be considered a breach of this Agreement.

Basically I don't mind if someone has a weekend guest over but if that person stays for more than the weekend they are a tenant and need to be on the lease.

As a landlord I am biased that if a tenant is up front with me then I try and be up front with them. I'm not looking to get over on my tenants and I hope that they treat me with the same respect. I understand though that there are landlords out there who are scum. You just need to find a good one.

If you are just helping her to get on her feet, that's not really living with you. It is more of an extended visit. I'd say you will be clear if she isn't staying for more than a 1/3 of your lease time.

Good luck!

Having someone move in with you when you've signed a lease for just yourself is grounds for eviction. You can have guest but not for a 1/3 of the lease period like someone else told you. I would discuss with the landlord about the possibility of a roommate and see what kind of an increase you'll be looking at. The reason they have limits on the number of tenants is the wear and tear of the apartment and the increase in any utilities that are paid by the landlord. Sneaking can get you both evicted.