How to vet prospects with several foster kids -

[Lois S.]

Got a call from a prospect with a full time job & several foster kids for whom he has guardianship. 

Without the (substantial) payments he receives for each child, he wouldn't qualify under our income criteria.  However, the amount he receives should more than cover the children's expenses. 

I would guess they might be long-term tenants given that it's hard to find suitable SF housing.

Would you consider this prospect?  What else to consider?

[Shera Gregory]

According to the Fair Housing Act: FAMILIAL STATUS AS A PROTECTED CLASS Federal and state laws forbid discrimination in housing transactions because of "familial status." ... "Familial status" means having a child under age 18 in the household, whether living with a parent, a legal custodian, or their designee.

I'm not sure if you have to abide by the FHA (it depends on several factors including the number of rentals you have). But in general I would be wary of ruling out a potential renter due to something related to the presence of children in the home. I understand you are talking about the income requirement but just be aware that this can cross over into the Fair Housing Act arena.