Fair Housing Laws Question - College Rental

[Jake Sablosky]

Howdy! 

I am closing my first deal in a few days, a 4-plex on a college campus, and I want to learn more about the tenants I will be inheriting. I assume they are all college students but I'm not 100% sure. They all have long term leases that end in late summer/early fall 2020. I am hoping to put together a short survey for them to fill out asking things like:

• Are you currently enrolled in the university? 
• When do you expect to graduate?
• Do you plan to stay for the summer?
• Would you like to renew your lease next year? 

And so on... My question is whether there are any legal issues with this? I'm not sure if asking about education falls under fair housing laws? 

Thanks for any guidance about renting to college students in a college town! 

[Rob B.]

In line with what others have mentioned, definitely make sure you're not committing a fair housing violation based on if they fall under a protected class. 

Side note, have them on ONE lease, have your move-in/move-out checklist process completely ironed out beforehand, and frequent check-ins don't hurt. A very close family member is located in the Hyde Park area and it has proven to be a great market for graduate students at the University of Chicago. Usually, their rent is covered by the program that they're in and with it being a top university (and one of the most challenging) you're dealing with a different type of student. Just don't violate any FHA rules in your screening process. It all comes down to the amount of risk you're comfortable with assuming (as far as damages to the property). Probably putting the property at higher risk when dealing with undergrads. But again, students can be great for cash-flow. Just be sure to get a feel for whether or not this violates fair housing law.