registered sex offender on the block

[Jason A.]

Hey all - a tenant has raised the issue of a registered sex offender living (or "frequently staying") at a home on the block. 

My property manager has not provided much help ... I have a call into an attorney to discuss how best to respond to this - thought I'd post here in the meantime to the extent anyone has thoughts or ideas. 

According to my tenant, tenant became aware of this and so did a number of households on the block. Parents are concerned as there are lots of kids around. My tenant has young kids which are "the same age of the victim". The tenant, who's not been the greatest, was quick enough to point out that fact that this "will impact rents in the neighborhood". It is interesting timing as tenant is currently sitting on the lease renewal application.

I am not sure if anything can be done - assuming this offender is currently in good standing with the law, I'd think the individual is entitled to live their life - which includes staying with a friend or family member as desired. However, I do take this extremely seriously and want to ensure all info I receive, and that is ultimately provided to tenant, is accurate. I appreciate the concern. 

It may be premature, but my sense is I am not willing to decrease the rent due to this development.

I'll update you on any feedback from the attorney - appreciate any thoughts. 

[JD Martin]

I would completely ignore it. You cannot reasonably control who lives in other houses, much less visits other houses, so if your tenant is so worried they can move on and you can fill the unit with another paying tenant. I'm not sure why it would be your responsibility to provide any information to the tenant, anyway. You don't set the laws on where registered sex offenders can live. Encourage them to discuss it with law enforcement if they have concerns. 

I would pay as much attention to this as I would if someone told me that there were a house full of immigrants down the street. Zero. It's really nothing to you.