Tenant anonymity

[Mark Derby]

I have an up/down two family in MA and rent the 2nd floor to a transitional housing program for people who need to get out of abusive situations. The housing authority has asked that we not disclose this to potential first floor tenants. There is nothing in my lease with the agency that specifically prevents me from disclosing this to other tenants.

Do I have any obligation to disclose this to potential tenants? Should my lease include any language to prevent this from being considered breach if I don't disclose and another tenant isn't comfortable with it when they find out?

There is often a significant difference between things your obligated to do and the right thing to do. What's the consensus on what is the right thing to do?

[Roy N.]

@Mark Derby

My wife was director of such a programme for years. When a woman, and possibly children, are escaping domestic violence, one of he biggest concerns/risks is the perpetrator knowing the location of where they are living. For this reason, many organisations who work with women in transition try to keep the circle of those in the know as minimal as possible.

I would leave the decision about disclosure to your tenant.