Special offer

Landlords Should Think Before Demanding To Meet The Tenants: Crossdressers

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Compass 0524642

Every so often I run across a situation where a homeowner/Landlord demands to meet a tenant prior to approving or declining an application. The reasoning has never been advisable, understandable or wise in my opinion.

If I wanted to lease my primary residence to you I would never want to be accused of violating any one of the Fair Housing Laws.

All joking aside, what if the tenant I "met" was a gay cross-dressing disabled individual who smoked medicinal marijuana and was a loyal Scientologist who showed up with his seeing eye-dog?

If for any reason I did not approve the tenant, It could be alleged that I did so based on the fact that the he or she was disabled or because he was a man wearing woman's clothing, although being a cross-dresser isn't covered under the "protected classes."

Why risk it?

Everything you want to learn about an individual (that matters) can be learned by simply performing your due diligence. You can research the criminal, credit worthiness, employment & rental background with relative ease. 

So why do people feel the need to visit with tenants before making a decision on an application?

In my opinion, it is to make an attempt to judge the character and personality of the tenant. The most important part of screening a tenant is to make sure you treat them fairly. It is also important that you screen each tenant in the same manner as you would other tenants.

Each state can have various additions to the Fair Housing Laws. You should always contact a real estate attorney  before making any type of legal assumptions. In real estate most lawsuits and claims originate from leases. You should do all that you can from becoming a statistic.

 

 

 

Posted by
Greg Nino
Realtor
RE/MAX Compass 
Direct & Text 7 days a wk: 832-298-8555 
 
 
Realtor since 2004
Mediator & Arbitrator for the TX Assoc. of Realtors
Member of the Professional Standards Committee for the TX Assoc. of Realtors
Arbitrator for the Comptroller's office for the State of TX for Arbitration of Property Tax Values

 Member of the RE/MAX Hall of Fame & Platinum Club

 

The information contained in this blog is believed to be reliable and while every effort is made to assure that the information is as accurate as possible, the author of this blog, and its comments disclaim any implied warranty or representation about it's accuracy, completeness or appropriateness for any particular purpose. All information is copywritten and the property of Greg Nino.  

Comments (4)

Chris Ann Cleland
Long and Foster Real Estate - Gainesville, VA
Associate Broker, Bristow, VA

From a legal standpoint, this is super advice.  From a common sense standpoint, it is annoying how the laws meant to protect will inhibit personal interaction from landlords who do want to have a character check moment of the person who is about to take possession of a major investment.

May 14, 2015 06:24 AM
Suzanne Strickler
Realty Mark Associates - Havertown, PA
School is never out for the Successful.

Greg ~ I agree with your reasoning because of this litigious society of ours. With that said, it's human nature to want to size up the person (s) who will be living in your house.

May 14, 2015 06:41 AM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Bravo Greg! This was well written and well thought out. It doesn't matter what the person looks like, dresses like, talks like or anything else, if they pay their bills, have a job and good past lease history.  Like you said, that is easily verified.

May 14, 2015 11:02 AM
Carla Muss-Jacobs, RETIRED
RETIRED / State License is Inactive - Portland, OR

 Your post got me thinking about something that my property manager did and I'm glad I checked it out!  And keep in mind, state and even cities have their own fair housing rules.  In Beaverton, we can't deny a rental based source of income. It's meant to not turn away Section-8 prospect.  

May 15, 2015 10:11 AM