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Can I restrict my rental to only one person? - Landlord Forum thread 334288

Can I restrict my rental to only one person? by Jennifer (CA) on April 30, 2015 @12:46

                              
I have a nice little 1 br cabin for rent, it is a vacation place built in the 60's, it has been remodeled but still has the tiny old septic system, I only want 1 occupant do to the tiny septic tank, is it legal in CA for me to refuse couples that have been interested.

Don't want to get myself in trouble in CA

Thank you
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Re: Possibly by Anonymous on April 30, 2015 @13:11 [ Reply ]
You need to look up the occupancy limits for where the cabin is. It's probably basically 2 per bedroom plus 1. So, 3 people for your cabin - normally.

BUT, you can impose a higher standard, IF you have a really good reason. If you can show, if ever confronted by fair housing, that your septic can't handle two people on a regular basis, then you can get out of it.

To cover your rear with fair housing, you need to never make an exception. The main issue is the perception that you might be discriminating against families.

I cut and pasted this from a fairhousing website on how HUD examines occupancy limits and discrimination:

http://www.fairhousing.com/index.cfm?method=page.display&pagename=HUD_resources_keatingmmo

"Other physical limitations of housing.

In addition to physical considerations such as the size of each bedroom and the overall size and configuration of the dwelling, the Department will consider limiting factors identified by housing providers, such as the capacity of the septic, sewer, or other building systems. "

This article says you need to never make exceptions:

http://fairhousing.foxrothschild.com/2009/09/articles/discrimination/occupancy-standards-why-they-matter/
Woops, that was me by CCRider (CA) on April 30, 2015 @13:11 [ Reply ]
I forgot to include my info. I am the one who posted the above info and links.
Thank you CCRider!! by Jennifer on April 30, 2015 @13:57 [ Reply ]
This has defiantly cleared somethings up for me.
Re: Can I restrict my rental to only one person? by Anon on April 30, 2015 @18:36 [ Reply ]
Do you only WANT one occupant or can the septic only HANDLE one occupant? I think that would be the deciding factor if you have to defend your stance.
Re: Can I restrict my rental to only one person? by Garry (Iowa) on May 1, 2015 @00:17 [ Reply ]
Jennifer, you said this was a "nice little------vacation place" How many people do you know that would want to "vacation" by themselves ? Would YOU want to stay there year round by yourself and never have anyone visit, or even be able to move in a boyfriend, because of a "toilet" problem? You either need to put in a bigger septic system, or not rent it out at all.
Re: Can I restrict my rental to only one person? by Jennifer on May 1, 2015 @10:10 [ Reply ]
My Lease states you can't have company anymore than 30 calender days per year, This cabin was built in the 60's for summer use, it has since been upgraded for year round occupancy, except the septic tank, when I had it pumped the guy informed me of how small it actually was and warned that it was only good for one person.
After reading the links sent by CCRider I feel confident I can defend my 1 person limit, and they of course can have company

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