Landlord Question and Answer Forum

I am a new landlord of my (prior) home. I have my first applicant. I have not run a credit check, but I did check my state's circuit court access information and found that the applicant has a history of misdemeanors, small claims judgements agains him, and carjacking. I am allowed to refuse this tenant for these reasons, correct? thanks

As long as you use the same criteria for ALL of your applicants.

Posted by Donna , NC on Wednesday, July 1, 2009

i am a first time landlord with a three apt bldg .I live in 1 of them. Can I exclude children when screening applicants?

Posted by jean m, NY on Wednesday, July 1, 2009

You can do what is right for yourself , the key is do not voice your motives to anyone but yourself , the key is do not put yorself in a hardspot in renting , make sure you have a liability insurance.

Posted by Donald G, MA on Sunday, July 5, 2009

"It shall be unlawful for any person or other entity whose business includes engaging in residential real estate-related transactions to discriminate against any person in making available such a transaction, or in the terms or conditions of such a transaction, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. "Familial status would include being married; having children and so forth. There are some variances to this and every landlord should become intimately familiar with the Fair Housing laws.

Posted by Denise S, PA on Tuesday, July 7, 2009