Rent By The Room Gender/ Age Question

Rent By The Room Gender/ Age Question

Member since 2021 · 132 posts · 37 votes

I know most companies and landlords despise renting units by the room, however we have a couple we rent by the bedroom. A couple 4/4 and 4/2, all furnished. Currently we have different male and female units since this is what we found works best and has everyone get along. Majority of the female units wouldn't feel comfortable with a guy moving in, the male units I don't think they'd care if a female moved in but I can see issues with that. These are in a popular college town so 99% of the renters are around 19-25 and are students.

We're starting to worry about the gender rights currently around the country along with the fair housing laws if we can continue to keep male and female units separate. For one in our listings we put "currently has 2-3 male tenants" or the opposite for females. If a female wants to move into a male unit or the other way around can they be declined because of that? Or can it be up to the current tenants if they're fine with living with the opposite gender? Second question is about age, like I mentioned most are 19-25 students and don't feel comfortable living with someone who is 40-50 can they be declined due to age?

I've tried finding some helpful information on this online or looked at other listings but it seems mixed with no straight answer. The only thing I found was about if tenants are sharing a common area with the landlord then the landlord can be gender specific. I saw some colleges around the area offer LGBTQ specific apartments which any gender can rent out. 

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Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
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Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
3y

It's important that you consult someone that understands your local law. Some states and cities are forcing women to accept transgender men in shared living spaces.

That's all I can say about that.

The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
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  • Member since 2023 · 29 posts · 11 votes
    3y

    You can't discriminate based on sex or gender by law. You can sway who will apply by selling up or selling down the property. For example, if a male is applying to the female units, you can tell him all the worst things about the property. You can say the walls are thin, the roommates are annoying, or anything to sway them to not apply. Do not tell them they cannot live there because of their sex/gender, or you could be sued. There are ways to influence it in your favor legally.

  • Real Estate Broker · Nashville, TN · Member since 2022 · 45 posts · 34 votes
    3y

    100% cannot discriminate; however, I think the best you can do is let folks know up front that this is cohabitation and anyone could rent the next room - regardless of age, gender, etc. You'd think they'd get that, since they are renting by the room. 

    If a set of females don't want to room with males (or vice versa), then recommend that they find someone to refer for the available room(s). 

  • Rental Property Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    3y

    Consult a local attorney as things can be allowed under federal law, but banned under state or local laws. 

    It is my understanding, and I may be wrong, that with a place like a SFH where the people share common areas, you can discriminate on gender as well as other so-called prohibited items.

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    3y

    It's important that you consult someone that understands your local law. Some states and cities are forcing women to accept transgender men in shared living spaces.

    That's all I can say about that.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
  • Rental Property Investor · Burlington County, NJ · Member since 2019 · 540 posts · 771 votes
    3y

    I won't comment on the legal part.

    Our food for thought. We have 4 by the rooms, all with at least 4 residents. Two are all male, 2 are mixed gender. Our residents range in age from early 20's to 50's, in the same homes. We've found that the right people are fine with the gender and age diversity. We always invite a home's current residents to meet new applicants and share their feedback with us before we offer a room. It's not been perfect, but overall its worked well for us.

    Best wishes to you.

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