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Is it legal to discriminate against democrats?
by Landlord backed into a corner
on May 16, 2012 @14:03
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Heres my question: I am screening a person who is a heavy duty democrat. Very into politics and against my views. Do I have to rent to them?
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Re: Is it legal to discriminate against democrats?
by OK-LL
on May 16, 2012 @14:06
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You are looking for a tenant, not a best friend. If you think his politics will be something you cannot tolerate, you can pass, persons with particular political views are not a protected class. But this is probably not a good business decision.
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Re: Is it legal to discriminate against democrats?
by Anonymous
on May 16, 2012 @14:12
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That depends. Is the democrat also a witch?
Seriously, what's with this stuff lately?
If any of my landlords had ever questioned my political views or tried to be my close friends, I'd have been pretty creeped out.
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Re: Is it legal to discriminate against democrats?
by Jake
on May 16, 2012 @14:13
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You are making two mistakes. One is that you are standing still long enough to hear the tenant's views. Another mistake is that you expect the tenant to become a friend. When a tenant starts talking politics you may simply, and repeatedly, say you never discuss politics with tenants. Do not discuss religion either. Look for friends in other places.
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Re: Is it legal to discriminate against democrats?
by Anonymous
on May 16, 2012 @14:20
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I can see it now...
Dear tenant forum,
My landlord is a right wing religious type. He keeps trying to convert me, but I'm a staunch democrat and I'm active in local politics. That makes him mad. I even caught him pulling the left wing bumper stickers off the back of my car. Is he allowed to do this? Should I sue him?
Also, he keeps knocking on my door day and night and asking if I want to hang out. Is he trying to snoop around my apartment, or is he just lonely. I really just want to be left alone. He's becoming very intrusive. Aren't I entitled to privacy?
What can I do?
Signed,
Concerned tenant
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Re: Is it legal to discriminate against democrats?
by Anonymous
on May 16, 2012 @14:28
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Why do you need to become BFF's with your tenant? This is a business relationship and should be treated as such. Politics and religion and deep, personal discussions are not necessary and should not be required of a tenant.
If they told you they were Republican and switched their political party mid-lease, would you consider evicting them?
Focus on the aspects of a tenant that actually mater with regards to your property: Criminal background, past evictions, income, credit worthiness, LL references.
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Re: Is it legal to discriminate against democrats?
by Katiekate (New York)
on May 16, 2012 @16:52
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Never make tenants into friends. Never rent to friends.
This is a business. Sooner or later you are going to get into big money trouble if you let your tenants become close to you (probably sooner).
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Re: Is it legal to discriminate against democrats?
by Jack Klein (NY)
on May 16, 2012 @17:08
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Democrat, Republican, what's the difference if they pay the rent?
As some of the other posters said:
Don't become friends with tenants.
That is one of the LPA's 6 biggest landlord traps.
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Re: Is it legal to discriminate against democrats?
by Ron (PA)
on May 16, 2012 @18:25
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I think you can discriminate for any reason you wish as long as it does not violate fair housing legalities.
Not renting to Democrats seems kind of silly. I'll rent to anyone who seems nice with good references and credit.
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