Key to note are the parameters set by the Federal Fair Housing Act

Key to note are the parameters set by the Federal Fair Housing Act and the Florida Fair Housing Laws, (here) safeguarding against discrimination based on protected characteristics. While personal biases should not influence decisions, selecting tenants based on legitimate business reasons is permissible.

Understandably, legal guidelines can be intricate. Joe Jennings delves into examples of questions landlords must avoid, emphasizing the importance of Fair Housing Act compliance. Questions that may seem innocuous could inadvertently lead to discrimination and legal consequences.

In the realm of tenant screening

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In the realm of tenant screening, awareness of prohibited inquiries is crucial. Questions pertaining to age, familial status, disability, religion, or nationality are off-limits, aligning with the Fair Housing Act’s mandate. Below are some questions not to ask:

Some questions NOT to ask:

1. How old are you? Age is a protected category. With the exception of senior living communities, choosing whether to rent to a person based on their age is illegal.
2. Do you plan to have kids? Asking about children is off-limits, including inquiries into the possibility of having kids in the future. You can, however, ask how many people will be living in the unit.
3. Do you have any disabilities? If a unit is available to rent to the public, it must be made equally available to able-bodied renters and those with disabilities. Even directing a prospective tenant to a specific unit because you feel it’s better suited to their needs can be a violation of the Fair Housing Act.
4. Are you married? Since familial status is a protected class under the Fair Housing laws, you should never ask a potential tenant about their marital status.
5. What church do you attend? Even if you’re just trying to make conversation, steer clear of anything that touches on religion or religious affiliation, which is its own protected class.
6. Where were you born? Even if seemingly innocent, questions regarding nationality or ethnic background are off-limits, since assessing a tenant based on this information is discriminatory.

Transitioning to practical application,

Joe Jennings shares top screening questions suitable for initial phone interviews. These inquiries, ranging from rental history to moving timelines, provide valuable insights while maintaining legal compliance.

For a complimentary list of Joe Jennings’ Top 20 Questions fill out the form and we’ll immediately direct you to his list.

Sunny & Associates Property Management, Standard Practice.

At Sunny & Associates Property Management, a thorough phone screening process is standard practice. By vetting applicants early on, landlords can save time and ensure dealings with genuinely qualified candidates.

Ultimately, the focus should revolve around key factors such as credit history, criminal record, rental history, and employment status. These elements provide a holistic view of potential tenants, facilitating informed decisions.

For personalized guidance tailored to your property management needs, Joe Jennings offers a complimentary consultation.

With decades of experience in property management, Joe is committed to ensuring a seamless rental journey for landlords. Reach out today to tap into his expertise.

Joe Jennings Broker, Sunny & Associates Realty

Contact Information:

• Phone: 850-296-2524
• Email: [email protected]
• Web: Contact Form