Florida Law on Renting to Undocumented / Illegal Immigrants

[Ben Naughton]

I just had what seemed to be a great family of 3 come look at an apartment I'm renting.  When it came time to fill out the application they asked if a Passport number (not from the US) would be Ok as they didnt have any S.S. cards.  

I have been searching this issue and cant find any substantial information on the internet.  I see some say it's fine while other say you can be fined and jailed for harboring illegals, while others say it's simply based on your local area.  

If anyone has insight into this issue I would be greatly appreciative for any info regarding it. 

[Nathan Gesner]

I believe @Anna M. is only partially right. Everyone in the country is protected by Fair Housing but that doesn't mean you have to rent to everyone.

You should have a list of required qualifications for renters. For example, I require applicants to provide a social security number so I can process a credit/criminal background check. If they do not have a social security number, I could turn them away or I will ask for clarification. If they say the are here on a work permit, I will ask for proof because they are required by federal law to have documentation of their right to work in America. If they can't provide it, I can't prove they are working and I won't accept them. That's the same policy I have for the white kid born in Detroit.

What if they are in the country legally and don't have to work because they are wealthy or have some other means of support? In that case, they probably can't prove their source of income so I will require them to pay a really big deposit (typically equal to three month's rent) or to pay the entire lease in advance. 

My concern is with their ability to pay, not their nationality or immigration status. If they are here illegally, I run the risk of them being deported or just disappearing without notice. I screen to mitigate risk, not treat people poorly.