Potential tenants that can't speak any English.

[Ken D.]

Today a family of 6 (3 adults, 2 babies, and a 10 year old) viewed one of my apartments but only the 10 year old could speak English. I tried my best to speak to the adults through the 10 year old but the child struggled to explain the rental income requirement. I ended up giving up trying to explain rental income, gave them an application, and left for my next showing. I admit I am new to property managing but it seems hazardous to conduct business with a child. I would think there would be a law that would protect landlords from business like this. What if the child words what their parents say incorrectly? The child can't be held responsible for any problems that result from bad communication. What if you allowed them to move in and the rest of the time the kid isn't available and they can't understand a word I say? What if there is an emergency and I can't communicate with them? Don't I have a right to protect my business from bad business scenarios?

[Mark H.]

Originally posted by Rob K:

Jon Holdman Not speaking English has nothing to do with race or national origin. You are not required to cater to people that don't speak the language. If someone wants to rent from you, it is their job to be able to communicate with you. If they don't know the language, it is incumbent on them to provide an interpreter. You are not required to have a translator on standby for every language.

I really think what's being missed here is that these (potential) tenants may be well-qualified, excellent tenants. Finding good tenants costs me money, so if they're already in front of you, why not try to say yes, instead of trying to find a legal excuse to say no?

In my area, I've seen some terrible slumlords who cater to those who don't speak English well, they take advantage & give anyone who rents property a bad name. Perhaps these tenants are trying to better their lot in life and hoping to use your home as stepping stone, that's a compliment from them, not a sign of "laziness". No one is pissin' on your great-grandpa's grave, or talking about giving California back to Mexico here - so far all we know is that the OP has a communication issue with some potential tenants.

It shouldn't be that difficult to find an adult to bridge the language gap.