Is it OK to screen potential roommates like this?

Question

I would like to know that a potential roommate has similar values and a similar lifestyle to mine. Being that I would not be the landlord, am I still bound by the Non-Disrcimination in Housing Act?

Is it permissible to ask any questions, even if they might be touchy in other situations, for example:

What their religion is?
Any medical conditions that could effect others in the household?
Sexual orentation?

and so on.

Answer 1

I disagree. You are choosing a roommate, not an employee or a tenant. If you were getting married and moving into the same apartment, you certainly could ask the questions. You can screen your friends. It would be very uncomfortable for the both of you if you were to find out after the fact that you are on different ends of the universe. Asking in advance could save both of you some future tension and maybe even some money if you both contribute, then one of you has to move out because you can't stand each other. I do think some tact is in order, however. For example, you may want to state your views first and ask if they have any objections. It's best to be up front with people than to worry about being sued.

Answer 2

I'm not a lawyer but I don't think you would be bound by laws in picking a roommate, the law is surely written and directed at the landlord. You have every right to ask questions because there is nothing worse than a nightmare roommate. You can direct the questions almost informally, pointing out for the good of both of you, you want to find someone compatible.

Answer 3

Before doing that, you should search for roommates within your church and social avenues. Advertise only where people with similar values will look, through some kind of networking.

I'd be annoyed if I went to look at a flat and got a surprise interview. OK, I'd expect some kind of vetting (like demanding references to see I'm gonna pay rent), but not the Spanish Inquisition.

I mean, if I was refused a flat because I wasn't Catholic, and it kept happening to me, I'd sue rather than go homeless. But I wouldn't go out looking in Catholic magazines for roommates just to annoy Catholics.

An open advert in a mainstream paper is an invitation to anyone. You can say in the advert that you want certain things sometimes, so that people you won't get along with won't apply.

Medical conditions? what religion are you exactly? I mean, if they were contagious they'd be in hospital wouldn't they?

Answer 4

You can ask whatever you want, if you are just an ordinary Joe trying to find a roommate... but you may get punched in the face.

Answer 5

You are in BIG trouble from a human rights point of view if you ask any of those questions.
You can't dicriminate, and that is what you are attempting to do. I know you don't want somebody at odds with your beliefs, but you can't do it the way you are suggetsing without getting sued.