I dont want to be accused of discriminating

[Casey Walker]

First showing at my first rental today.  

They seam like nice people but the guy mentioned how they just got a new puppy and i dont allow pets in my rental.  She shot him a look that was clear that he just said something that he shoulden't have.  They both assured me that the dog will be living somewhere else but i dont buy that.  To me the dog is a deal breaker but the only way to tell them that is to tell them that i think they are lying to me about where the dog is going to live.  They took an application to fill out and i explained the process of the credit, employment, conviction and eviction checks.  I dont want to wast anyone's time doing all that when i already dont want to rent to them based on the dog.  I feel like if i tell them its a no go right now they might accuse me of discriminating against a minority group.  I would never discriminate against anyone, i just dont want pets.  

suggestions? 

Thanks

[Matthew Olszak]

Originally posted by @Casey Walker:

First showing at my first rental today.  

They seam like nice people but the guy mentioned how they just got a new puppy and i dont allow pets in my rental.  She shot him a look that was clear that he just said something that he shoulden't have.  They both assured me that the dog will be living somewhere else but i dont buy that.  To me the dog is a deal breaker but the only way to tell them that is to tell them that i think they are lying to me about where the dog is going to live.  They took an application to fill out and i explained the process of the credit, employment, conviction and eviction checks.  I dont want to wast anyone's time doing all that when i already dont want to rent to them based on the dog.  I feel like if i tell them its a no go right now they might accuse me of discriminating against a minority group.  I would never discriminate against anyone, i just dont want pets.  

suggestions? 

Thanks

 Unless you have MANY units and there is an established pattern of discrimination, or if you are downright blatant about not renting to a protected class, you don't have anything to worry about. 

Also, don't be concerned about wasting anyone's time if you've stated up-front No Dogs - if anyone's time will be wasted it will be them wasting yours by applying knowing they don't meet your criteria. This is a perfect reason why you should meet with applicants, they might check all the boxes on paper but the truth frequently slips out when their mouths open.