Real Estate Agent · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2016 · 114 posts · 42 votes
Hello! I am wondering if anyone has experience renting to a tenant who has foster children regularly? I assume it is a protected scenario in which I could not discriminate so this is not necessarily a "should I, shouldn't I?" as much as a request for insight from anyone who has done this.
While I personally am of course an advocate and believer in doing something as wonderful as taking children into your home, I'm not so sure that my clients would appreciate me not giving them as much insight as I could into my (and my colleagues') experience with this. I know their concern will be that that with frequent turnover of children (some of which may have issues adjusting) could cause a lot of wear and tear on the house.
Any suggestions on how to present to my clients or what steps I could take within my legal bounds to help preserve the home, or even just personal stories/advice would be appreciated.
Real Estate Agent · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2016 · 114 posts · 42 votes
9y
@Deanna McCormick we do have local laws about occupancy limits but we haven't posted one for their property, specifically. I will definitely look into this! Thank you! :)
Being a foster parent is not a protected class. You will screen and based on the results determine if they qualify. Income is not guaranteed as children may come and go. Other income will be required to pass the 3X income requirement.
This type of tenant can be high maintenance and if it is not a SFH could cause issues with other tenants. This is the type of tenant I would not compromise screening standards for. It would be a tenant I would prefer to avoid if there are any grounds at all to reject.
Rental Property Investor · Leander, TX · Member since 2015 · 89 posts · 51 votes
9y
@Thomas S. If, worst case scenario, the OP was taken to court by this tenant for discrimination, couldn't they claim familial status discrimination? While being a foster parent is not a protected class, I feel like a judge would see her foster kids the same as he would any other family member. I have no experience in this though, so it's just a thought.
They have zero grounds to make any claims provided they are rejected for not meeting the OPs screening standards (assuming the standard isn't "no children".)
Just because they have kids does not exclude them from meeting a landlords screening standards. If their credit, income, attitude etc. does not meet standards you reject. Kids, service dog, minority, handicap it makes no difference they still must pass screening criteria. Being protected does not make them special.
Having the right screening standards applied equally to all applicants, such as 3X income, minimum credit score etc., makes it possible to eliminate most/all unwanted applicants.
Real Estate Agent · Scottsdale, AZ · Member since 2016 · 114 posts · 42 votes
9y
@Thomas S. and @Dan Kelley Thank you both so much for the insight - while I do have lots of experience screening tenants, this was a new one for me. I had TWO sets of applicants who do foster care. Fortunately I just received a darn-near perfect application so I am now in a position to reject regardless.