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Females Only: Men Need Not Apply? Why Landlords Can’t Discriminate in Selma

If you are looking for a new tenant for your investment property in Selma, maybe you have been considering renting to someone based on their sex. It isn’t uncommon for property owners to prefer one sex to the other when considering a new tenant. There are always people looking for a place to live, and you could be looking for the most suitable tenant to your taste. So maybe you are asking yourself whether you should look for only females for your property. The short answer is no: placing only female tenants is not only bad business—it’s also against the law.

Why Landlords Might Only Consider Specific Tenants

It is a common misconception that females make better tenants because they are cleaner and less likely to leave a property with damages than men. Women may also be seen as more responsible than men when it comes to paying rent on time and scheduling maintenance. While this may be true of some, it is not always the case, and thinking this way may cause a property owner no small amount of anguish should he or she be caught up in a scandal. Biases such as these can potentially cost the owner quite a bit of time and money.

It can be tempting to fill any vacancies you have with women—but doing so is illegal. Going through a generalized applicant screening process is the best way to find the right tenant. Don’t limit yourself to females only: there are many great male tenants out there looking for a property just like yours!

 

The dispute over male versus female renters is as old as time itself—but don’t get caught up in it! You’ve worked too hard for your business to let anything come between you and success. It’s great if you find a female tenant—it’s equally great if you find a male tenant. In the end, the rent gets paid, and you make money—no matter the sex of the tenant.

Understanding Federal Housing Law Is the First Step

Whether you have one property or a diverse portfolio, knowing local and federal laws is an important factor in being a good Selma investment property owner. Even unintentional discrimination can cause major problems for those in the investment property business. As a property owner, you cannot discriminate against a potential tenant based on:

  • Sex or sexual orientation
  • Race or color
  • Religion
  • Physical or mental disability or handicap
  • Nationality

 

Perhaps you are on your third female tenant in a row and are wondering if you may have discriminated against potential male tenants when making those choices. If you based your decisions on background checks, wages, and job history, then it is unlikely that you participated in any discrimination. These are the points on which you should be accepting new tenants. If that means that you chose three females, then perhaps the males who applied were not as qualified.

Understanding the difference between these points and your personal bias is an important factor in running a successful investment property business. Landlords must be aware of the law when it comes to legal issues such as these: it’s crucial to protect yourself and your property from any unwanted attention. Remember that these laws are built to protect both you and the tenant: don’t allow your hard work to be jeopardized by anything, even an oversight! Keep in mind that if this seems like a lot to manage alone, you can seek the support and aid of competent legal counsel—and a property management guide.

How a Property Manager Supports You

If you are concerned about bringing in new tenants, now is the time to hire an expert property manager in Selma. Having someone who can navigate landlord-tenant law and do the work for you can make your life much easier. Not only will your local property manager find quality tenants, but they will also handle maintenance, rent, and other issues as they arise. This leaves you free to enjoy the fruits of your Selma investment property.

Finding the right property manager is an important step in ensuring your success as a landlord. Your property manager will help you avoid the risk of accidental discrimination when it comes to tenant placement: let someone else worry about the laws and do all the “dirty work!” A property manager in Selma who works hard for you will set your mind at ease.

Real Property Management Campanas is a great fit for your investment property in Selma. We have the knowledge and skills to help you succeed in the business of property management. With Real Property Management Campanas managing your property, your Selma rental will be in good hands. You can rest assured that there will be no misunderstandings—legal or otherwise. Let us take on the burdens of property management while you enjoy the things that are important to you!

When you work with an expert property manager, you’ll have more time to grow your long-term wealth.

If you are interested in having your property managed by Real Property Management Campanas, have more questions, or just want to speak to one of our team members, then contact us online or call us directly at (210) 314-1039 today!

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

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