Finding reliable tenants is crucial for landlords, but it’s essential to balance this goal with adhering to fair housing laws. Improper tenant screening can lead to legal issues and costly vacancies. To ensure a smooth process, landlords must understand the guidelines and implement effective screening practices.
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. Landlords must treat all applicants equally and avoid using criteria that could be discriminatory. For instance, asking about children or marital status is generally not allowed. Instead, focus on factors directly related to tenancy, such as rental history, income verification, and criminal background checks.
When conducting tenant screenings, use reputable screening services that comply with fair housing regulations. These services provide comprehensive reports, including credit history, rental history, and criminal records. It’s essential to establish clear and consistent screening criteria to avoid accusations of bias. Additionally, landlords should document the screening process thoroughly, including the reasons for any rejections. By following these guidelines, landlords can protect themselves from legal troubles while securing quality tenants.
The attorneys at Lord & Lindley have extensive knowledge when it comes to fair housing laws. If you need assistance with or want to further understand fair housing laws and how they apply to you, please give us a call at 704-457-1010 to find out how we may be able to help you. For more information regarding our firm, attorneys, and practice areas, please visit our website at www.lordlindley.com.