Visible vs Non Visible Tattoos on Tenant Applicants

Visible vs Non Visible Tattoos on Tenant Applicants

Engineer · Allentown, PA · Member since 2014 · 105 posts · 64 votes

Good morning all!

I do want to preface this with - I did search the forum briefly for a direct answer and found none. So if there is a thread about this, please let me know!

I was reading a few things about people rejecting tenant applicants with tattoo's.  Of course the discussion went into types of tattoo's (gang, artsy, sentimental). But I'm wondering how people define visible vs. non visible. And also if there are actual rules that can be defined from location and style.

I'm also assuming the differentiation between men and women matters too.  So where do people draw the lines of visible? For men, I personally consider a visible tattoo to be any tattoo that shows when a person is wearing a t shirt and jeans.  But then for a woman, I know that neck lines are usually lower, so even the collarbone area could be considered visible. 

Following up on that, in order to protect yourself, would you have to state clear guidelines? Assume I wanted only tenants without visible tattoos (no neck, face, hands), would I have to almost put a chart in the lease? 

I do want to say that I'm not against most tattoo's, and I try not to judge on tattoo's, but if a tenant has "MOM" tattoo'ed on his forehead... I'm assuming he may not be the best candidate.

Any and all thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!

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Residential Real Estate Broker · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2016 · 506 posts · 311 votes
10y

@Elizabeth Colegrove exactly correct.  I've met with rough looking applicants covered in tattoos and they turned out to be the best tenants.  They swing the 3X rent on the rental and come up clean in the background, who am I to judge?

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  • Flipper · Macedonia, OH · Member since 2015 · 66 posts · 14 votes
    10y

    I guess I have a different view on the whole tattoo deal. I have a full sleeve, chest, ribs and another on my right arm. That being said I wear long sleeve shirts and suits a lot because of the industry I chose. My professors in college and colleagues at work would have never known I had tattoos unless I told them or came to my games on Saturdays. I'm definitely not afraid to show them but I also believe there is a time and place for everything. I wouldn't decline my tenant for have tattoos but I believe you can get a good read on people while screening then you should be able to make a judgement call just by their character. 

  • Investor · Portland, OR · Member since 2015 · 18 posts · 16 votes
    10y

    In a somewhat convoluted and ironic twist, I could see the possibility for the genius with the "Racist" facial tattoo suing for discrimination as a protected class. That is, a lawyer (it would have to be lawyer, he clearly isn't much of a deep thinker) could argue that with this tattoo he is exercising his First Amendment right to free speech (on his face) to express his pride in his whiteness. Rejecting him based solely on this speech about his race could  possibly be seen as discrimination. (In my layman's opinion.)  

    But of course, as noted elsewhere in this thread, the type of person who would tattoo something like that on his face is pretty likely to have some other very safe reason to reject their application that will come out with a thorough check. 

  • Altoona, PA · Member since 2016 · 30 posts · 56 votes
    9y

    Just tell yourself, "It's not a tattoo, it's body art" and you will find it easier to accept.  

    That's what the media says, so it must be true.

  • Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9y

    Ya we used to draw the line at Mullets, Mohawks &Toupee's , and now i hear some are including comb over's

    Next was the decals on the window of their pickup trucks and the mud flaps.

    Tattoos were further down the line.....

  • Natalie KolodijBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Tax Strategist| National Tax Educator| Accepting New Clients · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    9y

    I guess I'm a little Biased on this. 

    I'm covered in Tattoos. 

    I'm (almost) a CPA

    Have superb credit 

    And never even so much as a parking ticket 

    That being said- If someone has a face, neck, hand tattoo. They likely only qualify fora  fraction of employment options. 

    I have friends with visible hand tattoos who make $300k at google. 

    But if they don't fall under that category of educated, well employed and tattood, it's definitely a hindrance for employment/ reliable rent payments. 

  • Investor · Bethlehem, PA · Member since 2016 · 229 posts · 122 votes
    9y

    i have tattoos and piercings. I also have over an 800 credit score, make 6 figures, own a rental, have a master's degree and work for one of the largest financial institutions in the world. One of my tattoos is visible in a short sleeve shirt as well (not on forehead). Would you pass over me to rent to someone less qualified without tattoos and piercings? 

  • Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    9y

    There are tattoos and there are tattoos. If it is body art that is not a problem but if it is intended to send a message, knuckles, neck, face, head, you had better clearly understand the person is sending a very strong message as to their opinion of the rest of society.

    When screening applicants I do not waste my time trying to figure people out I simply reject those that I consider questionable. Obviously if they do not meet my screening standards they are rejected, when it comes to attitude and appearance if I determine in my opinion it is negative I reject.

    Anyone with tats on hands, neck, face or head has a problem in my opinion and I prefer not to take a chance so I will reject them.

    Tats that are easily concealed so as to allow the person to live a normal life I will need to know more about that person before I reject or accept. They could be either type, sending a message or enjoying body art. Not as easy of a call.

  • Member since 2021 · 388 posts · 277 votes
    5y

    well, this is an old thread but I got a tattooed prospective tenant today looking at the property.

    She was covered with tattoos, has a small child, came with mom who will be paying for her.

    The place is too big for her and her child, so not a match.

    I also like responsible people.

    If you got tattooed and like to project the "fierce" attitude but your mom has to pay for you then you need to look elsewhere. We are not a good fit together as a tenant and a landlord.

    It was a NO because she is simply not a fit for the property and I do not allow subleasing, hosting and limit how long the non paying guests can stay on the property.

  • Member since 2021 · 388 posts · 277 votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Jared Sawyer:

    Interesting thread!!!
    I'm sure there are plenty of attorneys that would find something about the prospective tattooed tenant that is being violated under fair housing laws and take you to court in hopes of settling because it would be more expensive for you to go through a trial even if you do win!

     oh, please...too many lawsuit happy people. enough of the attorney threats already.

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