Asking about children on application

[Mike S]

Am I allowed to ask about children, how many, and ages? Sorry to be brief but my phone is blowing up on our very first rental and I don't want to violate fair housing.

[Mark Langdon]

Never ask about children or ages unless you want a lawsuit. You can word your rental application to get them to volunteer the info versus you asking them directly. Loosely worded questions such as "Tell me about your current situation ? Tell me about your group ? How many people would be renting ?Can you send pay stubs etc. They would probably volunteer their info to you most likely.