What may I legally *tell* ?? - Landlord Forum thread

What may I legally *tell* ?? by Anonymous on July 25, 2012 @20:41

Hi, I was wondering--when I call the college students have passed the preliminary screening and who are looking to rent bedroom #3 in the SFH I have (that already has two established tenants), the applicants are likely to ask me to tell them something about the tenants.

Yes, the applicants will meet the current tenants at the appointment to show the place, but what might I legally say?

One tenant has been there for close to 7 years, and the other, over 8 years, and I've known them personally for 20 - 24 years.

May I say one is a writer and the other loves Letterman, etc? May I say one is disabled from two car accidents (invisible disability as he is not in a wheelchair but it affected his brain), and the other likes reading?

I haven't rented this place in a number of years, so this is new to me. The current tenants had no luck finding a third roommate.

Thanks!
Bun

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*Re: What may I legally tell* ?? by John-PA-LL** on July 25, 2012 @20:57	[ Reply ]

Stay away from anything that may be perceived in anyway as discriminatory. Ie: Racial,religious,sexual orientation, disability etc. They must be good tenants if there's been no problems in over 8 yrs right? The applicant can ask anything they want at the showing, You as a LL or authorized agent, are held to a different standard

Re: What may I legally *tell* ??

*Re: What may I legally tell* ?? by Eloise** on July 25, 2012 @21:02	[ Reply ]

Hi Bun, I don't know the legal answer to your question, I just wanted to reply and just make sure you also are looking at other points of view, for example, if you get too much into the "likes" and "dislikes" of the other two tenants, you might be opening thee door for issues that may arise in the future, for instance, everything on paper looks great as far as chemistry goes with the 3 tenants, but in person, things might not be as smooth. They might all look at issues arising because of personality differences as your doing. Just keep that in mind. If it was ME, I'd just find a good, solid, good references and credit tenant, who does not smoke, or have pets, have him read and sign house rules, and collect rent. I would not get involved in the other stuff, too much to deal with. If they ask, just have them fill out an application, if they pass, arrange a meeting and then they can discuss things like that. It's easier for you!

Re: What may I legally *tell* ??

*Re: What may I legally tell* ?? by Jake** on July 25, 2012 @21:53	[ Reply ]

It seems simple enough to say that "the tenants are a couple of really nice people who have been with me for a long time. They have good habits and you will be able to study without any distractions."

Re: What may I legally *tell* ??