All Forum Posts by: Devan W.

There seems to be a lot of confusion in the comments about whether or not discriminating based on source of income is a type of unfair housing practice. It doesn't seem to be on the federal level, but as of the passing of Colorado bill HB20-1332 in 2020, it is in Colorado. Here is the actual  bill: https://leg.colorado.gov/bills...  It says: "A person is prohibited from refusing to rent, lease, show for rent or lease, or transmit an offer to rent or lease housing based on a person's source of income..." HOWEVER: "The restrictions do not apply to a landlord with 3 or fewer rental units. A landlord who owns 5 or fewer single family rental homes, and no more than 5 total rental units including any single family rental homes, is not required to accept federal housing choice vouchers for the single family homes."

That said, I have had really bad experiences renting to strippers before (inherited tenants who I ended up having to evict). They got home from work super late, often brought people home with them to party until sunrise, disturbed the neighbors, had drug dealers hanging out selling drugs and doing drugs, rotating cast of "room mates" and "boyfriends" staying there, lots of lies and lease violations etc. so in my experience they can cause problems (especially in multifamily situations unless the whole building has a similar culture, but also if it's a class A area they will likely bother the neighbors and police will become familiar with the property). I'm sure there are strippers out there who are perfect model tenants (pardon the pun), but probably a small number of them compared to the majority being a problem.

You can require her to provide proof of income of course, and most strippers aren't claiming all of their tips so her reported/legal income might not meet your minimum requirements. I would find a more qualified applicant personally, but do not reject her for source of income unless you have fewer than 3 rental units in which case the restrictions do not appear to apply to you.   

 Yes you came at me for no reason. I simple state please be aware of fair housing law. Maybe as we just had to take a refresher class last week, BORING LOL... I was only trying to help. Many on her do not have a clue about it. Again, I was not trying to be conceding, just making you aware. 

All the best to you 

 You seem not to know the Fair housing laws. I suggest you stop posting what you are posting, you never know who is " watching" 

Good luck 

 Most of my rentals have been class d so itś critical to know how to screen and manage. You first alluded to having a problem with her profession. Now you are speaking on the way the boyfriend looks. Either of those considerations in my book are feckless approaches and could be deemed discriminatory, Myself being a Black 6 foot 200 pound plus male, people often determine I look like a drug dealer or pimp; never a business man. If the way they conduct themselves in IG concerns you thatś when viable  screening comes in. Check the references. Check the rental history. Verify how they conduct themselves in other situations. Check criminal history. To me, if someone has sense enough to have a high credit score and consistently pays rents and other bills over a sustained period of time they most likely have sense enough to not be the problems you seem to assume. I had a family deemed high risk trailor park biker types.  Their app indicated high risk and they were nowhere near to having those positive characteristics of yours. Its a long story but they convinced me to take a chance on them and have by far been the best tenants I´ve had in history. 

It's nice to see someone taking steps to verify and check a prospective tenant's background. I've met other landlords who just do a basic credit check and hand over the keys once they receive the deposit and first month's rent, then get surprised when they end up in court. The current landlord's recommendation should be taken with a grain of salt. It's better to call one of their previous landlords--they won't have much to lose by giving an honest recommendation. If this prospect checks all your boxes (real proof of income, good rental history you can verify), then it would be fine to rent to them.

If you ask me, the better question to ask is: "What are your criteria for qualifying tenants?" This can indicate how much trust you place in your processes. If you have a low threshold for qualifying tenants, then I can see why you are uncomfortable making a decision based on just those qualifications. If your criteria require a potential tenant's credit score is over 700, income is greater than 3x the monthly rent, and their rental history shows stability, then trust your process. Otherwise, what's the point of having processes in place?

 Best of luck 

@Devan W. This would be a "No" for me. Go with your gut.

I have not read through all the responses but Iḿ not understanding what you mean by better applications. If she met all the rental criteria and has exceeded it, what is the beef? You personally dont like her job? What does her IG pics have to do with you or your  kids? If she has broken no laws and clearly fits and exceeds the standard criteria it seems illegal to deny them in my book. Ive had tenants with associations I may not be personally comfortable with but its business (and none of my business)  and I dont care unless itś illegal or racist. 

 Why not?  Also you better be very careful ,you need to know " fair housing laws .

You can't discriminate by: 

• Race
• Color
• Sex
• Age (40 and over)
• Religious creed
• National origin
• Ancestry
  
• Familial status (families with children under age 18)
• Handicap or disability
• The use, handling, or training of a guide or support animal for disability

The gubmint doesn't give a damn if you discriminate by profession or occupation.