Can I advertise for “female preferred”?

[Diana Johnson]

I have a 3 bedroom condo. Rooms 1 and 2 have been rented young women. They prefer that room 3 be rented to a female (tenants in rooms 2 and 3 will need to share a bathroom). Is it ok for me to advertise room 3 as “female tenant preferred”? I don’t want to be accused of discrimination.

[Thomas S.]

Probably not and it is best to not mention the fact that you are seeking a female. This however will not prevent you from selecting a female from all applicants.

It may be controversial to discriminate based on gender but in your situation to not do so would be unacceptable to your existing tenants. You must prioritise their situation and your business at times to do the right thing as opposed to blindly following code. As a landlord it is often necessary to make those tough decisions.

Keep accepting applications until you find the one female that is most qualified and you will in effect protect yourself. With luck you will find her early and avoid complications.

Your best option would be to work with the existing tenants and have them find a applicant that meets their requirements and screen her. This wil avoid all possibility of discrimination.