This is to solve an argument that my friend is disputing that I should not know because it's none of my business that I live next to a convicted felon. He said it is discriminatory for the landlord to deny him a place to live because of his criminal record. I believe that's the reason why they run criminal records so they can weed out those individuals and provide a safe, comfortable living environment for all. Feedback from lawyers greatly appreciated.
2006-12-08 17:30:31 · 14 answers · asked by Mary R 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Your Friend is right. It is your own responsibility to ensure your own safety.
2006-12-08 17:40:36 · answer #1 · answered by OC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless the convicted felon is a sex offender, the landlord has no obligation to inform you otherwise. Sex offender laws require registration of address, which is usually available on line in most states. If you have children the landlord is required by law to inform you of the tentant's criminal conviction as a sex offender. Also most courts now have an online name search for civil or criminal cases, once you have the case name and number, anyone can go to the court house and view the file to see what its all about. Yeah, a lot of extra work maybe, but at least you know then.
2006-12-08 17:36:38 · answer #2 · answered by alaskasourdoughman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aside from legally listed registered sex and drug offenders, there is no law that states someone's criminal background needs to be exposed just because it will help their neighbors feel better. Think about it; many people were convicted of felonies several years ago and have changed. My dad's friend was convicted of a felony for possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana in 1969, back when laws were a bit different. Do you think that man who is now sixty years old should have to tell everyone that he is a felon? I wouldn't be jumping for joy if I was living next to a felon, but this is America and even felons have rights.
2006-12-08 17:39:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
no it's not the landlords responsibility. i was convicted of a felony too but that doesnt mean i'm a bad person. i was young when it happened and very naive. now i'm a more mature person that learned from her mistakes. it does depend on the severity of the felony such as murder, larson, and sexual assault. those should be notified. cause you dont wanna end up shot, raped and burnt to death. but if the landlord let him rent his place with any of those convictions the landlord is stupid. my felony was minor and i wouldnt do it again. so some felonies are not a big deal and some are. but if the landlord felt threatned by the person then they wouldnt rent to them. plus he may have had a good credit score and good renting background with no evictions and made a lot of money.give the guy a chance he's probably trying to get back on his feet.
2006-12-08 17:37:19 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The landlord doesn't have to inform you of anything about your neighbors. If you're interested you can search for his criminal records as they are public record...btw the person who answered that criminal records are private is an idiot. All criminal records, except those that have been sealed by the court (ie. juvenile records) are public and are easily found at the county courthouse.
2006-12-08 18:27:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sorry am not a lawyer but am Law itself...haha.
It`s none of your landlord business to inform you you`re living next to convicted felon,but your own responsibility to keep yourself safe.
2006-12-08 17:40:34 · answer #6 · answered by God is Good 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most reputable places run background checks. On the other hand, your landlord is not permitted to violate your neighbor's right to privacy. He could have hinted though. That wasn't nice to put you in the position you're in. Geez, was he that desperate for the rent. Do you live in a place where they have to rent to the first person with the money? That's a crying shame. I hope his crime wasn't something that you need to be afraid of.
2006-12-08 17:35:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Stupid!
Haven't you ever heard of Constitutional Rights, as to Privacy?
If he's done his time, then he's entitled to those same Rights, unless you are Nancy Grace In The Flesh, or Bill O'Reilly's son.
Then you can go chop him up for fun, pleasure, and beef jerky, it's the latest Lynch Mob Rage...
You should see an Ethicist.
2006-12-08 17:38:48 · answer #8 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If he's 'done his time' then he should have a chance to get on with his life. You could just as easily be victimized by someone without a record.
2006-12-08 17:35:37 · answer #9 · answered by tumbleweed1954 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless they're a registered sex offender their criminal record is none of your business. Once they do their time they can't be discriminated against.
2006-12-08 17:32:42 · answer #10 · answered by uknowme 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋