Discrimination question about criminals

Discrimination question about criminals by Anonymous on February 29, 2012 @11:02

I have an important question…Can I discuss a criminal record with an applicant and is a landlord allowed to decline someone due to criminal history? I am unsure of this..thanks!

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Re: Discrimination question about criminals by L-Bone on February 29, 2012 @11:14	[ Reply ]

What is this country coming to when people are so politically correct they are arfraid to discriminate against an applicant with a criminal record!!! OF COURSE! That is the whole reason for running the background check. A person with a criminal record or bad credit is not a protected class. Housing discrimination based on your race, color, national origin, religion, sex, family status, or disability is illegal by federal law. All other dioscrimination is legal.

Re: Discrimination question about criminals by Mary on February 29, 2012 @12:17	[ Reply ]

Most landlords go back 7-10 years for criminal history check. You can discuss it with the applicant if you feel that its been a long time since the offense(s). Most landlords would never rent to anyone with murder, bodily harm, rape, child molestation, sexual assault , etc. Be sure you know what you are doing. If your rental criteria says no one with a criminal history within the pass 7-10 years will be accepted, then do not make any acceptions!

Re: Discrimination question about criminals by Jake on February 29, 2012 @14:03	[ Reply ]

Never get into a discussion with an applicant about his criminal record. Here is what you will get. Oh, I thought that was taken off my record. Like it never happened when it really did. Then they will cop to a minor possession when they were really dealing. Like a minor possession is normal and even you might smoke dope. Or, they will say "I forgot about that one." Whatever you hear it will not be the truth. Whatever is on the record will seldom be more than the tip of the ice burg. Major felonies are pleaded down to misdemeanors. Charges are dropped in exchange for becoming an informant. When you rent to criminals with even "minor" crimes, you will still have a convict for a tenant with all that it brings. A criminal is a criminal is a criminal. And, they never have good credit or work records. You can bet the rental history is poor also.

Re: Discrimination question about criminals by Fred (MN) on February 29, 2012 @17:04	[ Reply ]

Where I come from you don't have to provide a reason, so don't if it's not required. Never let a criminal rent your property.

Re: Discrimination question about criminals by Anonymous on March 1, 2012 @13:32	[ Reply ]

The responses are over the top and a little insane. There are many people that have had previous criminal convictions that are now productive and responsible citizens. If you are checking for convictions just go back 5-7 years and you should be ok. Study after study has shown that if someone has stayed out of trouble for 7 years they are no more likley to commit a crime than someone with a perfect record.