We use FB for marketing our rentals -- set up a page for each LLC and showcase properties for rent, for sale or contract sale.

I also have used FB for screening applicants, and keeping tabs on the residents and deadbeats who leave us in the lurch. I just hope this is not considered stalking, but it seems to give us an insight as to what type of resident the applicant will be.

I have a question to throw out. I have an application on a young prospective tenant. She has a decent job, but being young, we are requiring a parent cosign and the cosigner checks out well.

The applicant says she is going to live in the apartment by herself, but her FB page shows a "relationship" and pics of them together. The Boyfriends page shows likewise. No application from the boyfriend was received. She stated she has been living with the boyfriend's mother (and her parents before that).

Can we ask about the boyfriend? Our concern he may not be working and will just stay around the place all day, smoke the place up with cigarettes, and basically be a pain to the other residents.

I would address it directly with her, leaving out that you saw the FB posts. Say something like "In the past, we have had tenants try to sneak roommates or boy friends in. This is totally against the lease and is grounds for an eviction. If you want a roommate they need to fill out an application and be approved, like anyone else." The explain the visitor clause in your lease.

N&P,

First, you are violating Federal Fair Housing law by requiring a co-signor based based on age. Must have a legit reason such as lack of income or first time renter. Don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger.

Also LLs are sued over what they SAY. Do not talk with her about the BF. She’ll lie anyway.

“Living with parents” is NOT good sign and often a lie or temp situation to cover trouble. Don’t feel sorry for her and necome her so ial worker/counselor.

Dig deeper. Usually due to eviction.

I will not be their first LL. We require LL references. This has reduced MANY problems.

We spend our energy looking for quality people who are stable and reqdy to rent. Too many issues with her.

FB: not stalking. My judge says we can use it in court because the poster voluntarily made the info public.

N&P,

First, you are violating Federal Fair Housing law by requiring a co-signor based based on age. Must have a legit reason such as lack of income or first time renter. Don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger.

Also LLs are sued over what they SAY. Do not talk with her about the BF. She’ll lie anyway.

“Living with parents” is NOT good sign and often a lie or temp situation to cover trouble. Don’t feel sorry for her and necome her so ial worker/counselor.

Dig deeper. Usually due to eviction.

I will not be their first LL. We require LL references. This has reduced MANY problems.

We spend our energy looking for quality people who are stable and reqdy to rent. Too many issues with her.

FB: not stalking. My judge says we can use it in court because the poster voluntarily made the info public.

Brad, age is not a protected class under FEDERAL fair housing rules. In some states, maybe it is an additional class, but it's not federal.

The 7 Protected Classes:

Race

Color

Religion

Sex

National Origin

Disability (added in 1988)

Familial Status (having children under 18 in a household, including pregnant women) (added in 1988)

She will end up moving the boyfriend in, so you will have to make a determination

if you will want to rent to both or not. Age is a protected class. You could have an

I read this on a quiz for fair housing....

You chose not to answer this question.

Correct Answer: Both a and b

Excluding prospective buyers on the basis of race is always a violation. Although it's potentially a violation to discriminate on the basis of familial status, "adults only" is acceptable when the housing is specifically designated for older persons pursuant to a state, local, or federal program designed to accommodate the needs of elderly persons. Or the community must

Be occupied solely by persons who are 62 or older, or

Www . nar. realtor

Fair housing quiz.

AGE DISCRIMINATION ACT of 1975

The Age of Discrimination Act of 1975, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in programs or activities receiving Federal financial assistance, directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements use age distinctions or take any other actions which have the effect, on the basis of age of:

excluding individuals from denying them the benefits subjecting them to discrimination under, a program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance; or

denying or limiting individuals their opportunity to participate in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

Legal Authority: Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 42 USC 6101 et seq. and HUD Regulations at 24 CFR Part 146.

W,

You’re right, it’s not listed by federal. I went for the simple answer and spoke too quickly.

BUT...

I don’t poke the bear. Beauracrats believe this is discrimination and I don’t want to be the test case spending thousnads to defend myself.

It IS listed by the state and local govts in many areas.

I want every LL to avoid tje age issue no matter what. Logic does not stop lawsuits.

The basic answer is TREAT EVERYONE THE SAME.

Here’s why I teach LLs to avoid age:

My Fair Housing director says it’s illegal to ASK the applicant’s age. Goes along with saying PERSONS not CHILDREN.

True, age is not listed but it is considered by Fair Housing.

Agree, about being correct but wanted to post this AGE DISCRIMINATION ACT of

1975, only because, we are not sure if someone is receiving federal assist which to

me could open a can of worms. If we treat someone different because of age.

I would use term like lack of credit. It could be a slippery slope if we are not

Re-reading...

You cannot stop a BF or anyone else from visiting and hanging out.

You CAN deny based on the informaton she has made public on FB, showing a scuzzy BF who will be hanging around.

You have the BF's name so run him thru Doxpop. Could be very telling!

I'll go back to this - her app sounds flaky. Too many question marks.

BRAD