Illegal Discrimination Quiz

Take this short illegal discrimination quiz.  See if you are inadvertently discriminating.

Have you ever done the following?

1. Told an applicant there is not an opening because you did not want to rent to that person, when there really is an opening.
2. Advertised in such a manner that indicates a preference base on group characteristics, such as skin color or sex.
3. Set restrictive standards for certain applicants and not others, such as higher income.
4. Refusing to reasonably accommodate the needs of disabled clients, such as hearing dog, sight dog, or other service animals
5. Had different sets of late payment penalties for different tenants.

The Fair Housing Acts prohibit landlords from taking any of the above actions based on race, religion, or any other protected category:

Consistently using a standard application can protect you from costly lawsuits.

Using Renting Authority’s rental application and tenant screening process will help you avoid discrimination lawsuits.  They are a great tool that you now have access to.

 

Sincerely,

Troy Boldt
888-674-9181

www.RentingAuthority.com

Should I charge an application fee?

Several landlords have asked, “Should I charge an application fee?” My answer astonishes some. Yes.
Three reasons why:
1.   Application fees start the filtering process
If an applicant is unwilling to pay an application fee, you may have a difficult time collecting rent.  You are in charge, it is your asset, and you make the rules.
2.   Covers your costs
Screening prospective tenants cost you time and money.  Recover as much money as possible.  If you have to screen 4 tenants to find the right one, it will cost about $100.  Don’t go in the hole $100.  Collect the application fee upfront.
3.   Reduces discrimination lawsuits
Charging differing prices and not charging at all on some applicants, opens you up for a lawsuit.  Charge a consistent fee.  Even if you feel sorry for someone. Please don’t misunderstand me.  I am not being cold hearted.  Attorneys look for inconsistencies like this to create a discrimination lawsuit.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me.
Sincerely,
Troy Boldt
Renting Authority
888-674-9181
tboldt@RentingAuthority.com
http://www.RentingAuthority.com