Is it housing discrimination to ask for certain groups (eg female student) for a sublet if you live there too?

Question

I know that it is obviously against the law if you are a landlord renting a unit, but if you are renting a spare bedroom in your own place, can you advertise that you want a certain type of person and deny people based on the fact that you wouldn't want to live with them?

For example if you didn't want someone over/under a certain age, or with kids, or a gay living in your place, can you deny them on those grounds?

Answer 1

I don't believe there is a legal precedent for this because you are not running a business. As a private homeowner/renter, you have a right to say who can live with you. However, my best advice would be not to make your preferences known as to why you denied someone the room- especially in regards to their sexual orientation. Think of it as a job interview- there are questions you can't ask unless the applicant brings it up first. If you are uncomfortable sharing a private residence with someone of the opposite sex, no one would blame you. But a homosexual person could take offense if you deny them solely for that reason. Approach the situation carefully and see if you can find the information out without prying too much. You can ask if they are single or in a relationship. From there, you can get a lot more information without offending.

Answer 2

NO! You can not state anything that would discriminate. Let everyone apply and look at the room and if you dont want them for whatever reason just tell them that you found someone else with a great credit rating or just say "the room has been rented now. Thank you for your interest"

Answer 3

No way! I still have a spare bedroom I have been trying to fill with a good looking caucasian female.

Between the ages of 21 to 29
Single
Must own a boat.

Answer 4

if your sharing the same facilities like kitchen, bath exc. than you can as long as you classify it as sharing expenses and not for profit. if like in a rental its for profit and a separate unit than it would be discrimination.

Answer 5

you have EVERY right to be picky and selective on who you choose to reside with---------and you BETTER-------insist they meet with your total approval or no deal.