Potential Tenant with Mental Health Issues

[Graham Mink]

Hi Everybody!

I have a question regarding tenant screening. I was contacted today by a Mental Health Professional about one of my units that is for rent. She is helping a young person with Mental Health issues find a place to live. I am not sure what issues the person has and I am not sure if I can even ask or if the "case worker" is allowed to tell me. This quasi-government agency will be paying the rent for them so that is not an issue. I am wondering how I go about screening this person? Am I allowed to ask questions about their mental health problems? Am I allowed to deny an application based on lack of this information or if I am not comfortable renting to them? I don't want to treat anyone unfairly or discriminate but there are also other tenants in the building that will be living next to them. Can anyone offer any guidance?

Thanks!