A rental company in my city stated on their rental application that they refuse renting their apartments and houses to unmarried couples and will not accept any applications from them. Is this legal?
2007-03-15 06:56:21 · 13 answers · asked by SHERINA 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Pink Mafia - Cool down there, honey. I actually have an apartment already and I live on my own. I was just remembering a time a couple years ago when I was searching for a place, they made it quite clear that they won't rent to unmarried couples. I'm curious as to why and if it's legal. I mean, if it's illegal to refuse renting to minorities and members of certain genders and such, I was wondering if unmarried couples could be refused as well. I am not demanding someone rent to me, I'm just curious. Jeesh.
2007-03-15 07:08:18 · update #1
The answer may depend on where you live. In the US, 42 U.S.C. § 3604(a) says that, "it shall be unlawful—
(a) To refuse to sell or rent after the making of a bona fide offer, or to refuse to negotiate for the sale or rental of, or otherwise make unavailable or deny, a dwelling to any person because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin."
Familial Status generally refers to people with children, however, it MAY (but will probably not) apply to couples who are not married. You may wish to call or visit your local HUD office, if you live in the US, and ask how the law applies to your situation.
The State of "California has a very similar law, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). FEHA, unlike the federal law, prohibits discrimination based on marital status."
Contact a lawyer in your area for details.
2007-03-15 07:17:27 · answer #1 · answered by www.lvtrafficticketguy.com 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Believe you need to check the Federal laws for Discrimination in Housing.
Fair Housing Act
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (Fair Housing Act), as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings, and in other housing-related transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents of legal custodians, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under the age of 18), and handicap (disability).
NOTICE THE WORDS FAMILIAL STATUS
2007-03-15 07:03:35 · answer #2 · answered by Mickey 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check with HUD for fair housing practices...I think it's wrong for them to tell smokers they can't smoke. Under current Federal Law in Housing and Employment, it is illegal for them to ask your Marital status...It's none of Their Business! Nobody needs government or nosey landlords violating your personal, privacy and ownership rights either. You can also go to housing advocates that have attorneys for free. Give megalomainiacs that are minding your business an inch and they will take a mile!
2007-03-15 07:21:15 · answer #3 · answered by ShadowCat 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yeah, it's legal and smart. If a couple gets an apartment that neither person could afford on their own, and then break up- the rental company is left with a tenant who can't pay the lease.
2007-03-15 07:01:01 · answer #4 · answered by Beardog 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Check out the HUD website for your area. SInce this is private property, they have the right to rent/not rent to people for specific reasons as long as the person(s) are not a protected class, i.e. disabled.
2007-03-15 07:47:15 · answer #5 · answered by Peter 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Perfectly legal.
Unmarried couples playing house are more likely to split which means that the rental company would have to file lawsuits on two people to get their money.
2007-03-15 07:02:30 · answer #6 · answered by Susie D 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I think it is....as long as there is no "moral clause" in the lease....as in mentioning church, god, morality, etc.
Many places won't rent to two or more single people because of the possibility of vandalism, noise, late night parties, etc..... That is perfect normal... So, if the rentor doesn't specifically mention a bias, then it is legal.
2007-03-15 07:20:11 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Yep, it's legal.....they want to be able to sue both parties and the same time if necessary, not two different law suits, and they will have both of you sign lease.....it's new, but it has cut down on rent skippers.
2007-03-15 06:59:42 · answer #8 · answered by bigbro3006 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
It all depends on where you live. Check with your local renter's rights's group or a local lawyer, then go from there. Or just find somebody who will rent to you and forget it.
2007-03-15 07:02:02 · answer #9 · answered by steve f 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
of course it is. Its their house they could rent it to whom ever they want. It is a pretty smart business decision not to rent to unmarried couples.
2007-03-15 07:05:45 · answer #10 · answered by joe d 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋