Could describing *yourself* in a housing ad be considered "descrimination"?

Could describing *yourself* in a housing ad be considered "descrimination"?

East Setauket, NY · Member since 2008 · 25 posts · 0 votes

Hi all,
Long time no visit. I have a question regarding posting what might be considered a discriminating ad for my rental. Note that this would be a "share with owner" situation, and not an ad for an apt, or a unit in a multi-family house. Now, according to Craigslist,
there are all kinds of things that are illegal to state as preferences,such as "Christian home", references to sexual orientation, and obviously, race, among other things.

I believe I have a bit more leeway with a share with owner situation
(correct me if I'm wrong), but what if I described *myself*? For instance:

"Older, SWM, straight, smoker, not particularly religious, has room available for rent for one person, share rest of house"

In this hyper-politically-correct world we now inhabit, would posting the above put me at risk for getting slapped with a charge of posting a discriminating housing ad? Obviously, I very much DO want to be discriminating about whom I share my home with, but adding something like "seeks same" or "seeks compatible housemate" would make that rather obvious

What about adding an insincere "All welcome, M or F, No pets, 720 FICO or better required".? Would that cover my butt?

Basically, I guess I'm looking for advice for how to write an ad

for a house-share that weeds out most of the people I wouldn't want to share with, while toeing the line on the ad-copy and keeping it legal. Any advice from veteran landlords or property managers would be most welcome. (The property is in SC, if that matters)

0Reply
18 views

6 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Real Estate Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2009 · 63 posts · 19 votes
    16y

    Describing yourself doesn't descriminate against anyone. I think it would be fine to list what you have here.

    You meet with several and pick the best choice. It would be real hard for someone to know if you descriminated against them unless they had the list of prospects you were looking at.

    This is not a job you are hiring for - this is someone who is going to share your house with you. You wouldn't want to wake up and night with a stranger standing in your bedroom door with a hammer in their hand like in the movie "Slingblade."

    Don't you think you have the right to choose who you feel most comfortable living with considering this is your home?

  • Real Estate Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2009 · 63 posts · 19 votes
    16y

    Correction:

    I realized you can edit your own post so I did it up above.....

  • Real Estate Investor · San Bernardino, CA · Member since 2009 · 2 posts · 3 votes
    16y

    When you are advertising for a "share" the rules are more flexible.You can use the wording as you did in your post. I would post your personal facts and follow with what/who you are seeking.
    This tenant will be living in your home with you and you need to back ground checks and be very careful. Check the person out completely.

    Good Luck
    Renee

  • East Setauket, NY · Member since 2008 · 25 posts · 0 votes
    16y

    Thank you Cary and Renee...that's pretty much what I figured - mainly just wanted a 2nd opinion. Thanks again,

    Paul

  • OR · Member since 2008 · 1k+ posts · 845 votes
    16y

    Rules aren't so strict for a roommate ad.

    I'd probably not mention religion at all. It's such a trigger.

    Put it in if you don't want dope in the house (don't mention it if you don't care).

  • East Setauket, NY · Member since 2008 · 25 posts · 0 votes
    16y
    Originally posted by P NW:
    Rules aren't so strict for a roommate ad.

    I'd probably not mention religion at all. It's such a trigger.

    Put it in if you don't want dope in the house (don't mention it if you don't care).


    Good point!
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.