Baby not disclosed on tenant profile as 5th occupant

[Carol Burns]

We had someone fill out a tenant profile with zillow and they listed 4 occupants.   Met them at the property today and they showed up with 2 young teenage girls and a baby.   Apparently babies are not considered occupants and they must have known that?   But it really burns me  up that someone can be that sneaky.   Had someone try to sneak in a husky service dog last week.  I told the people with the baby I would have to check with my septic guy to see if my septic could handle that, which is true.   But it really makes me think not to rent to someone who is underhanded from the get go.  I have a legit reason to turn them down as they said their credit wasn't that great.  But am I just being sensitive here?   Does this happen a lot?   

[Lateefah Mathews]

Hey @Carol Burns Ok, honestly, that's not sneaky. Babies are not considered legal occupants, and HUD guidelines protect families with children. Denying someone because of a baby could cross into fair housing issues.

The real focus should be on their credit picture and rental history. Are you actually running their credit? If they don’t qualify under your standards, that’s a valid reason to decline. But babies and dogs are comparing apples with oranges, two different categories, and babies don't create extra septic strain. Diapers and wipes shouldn't be flushed (I'm sure they know this), and that’s an education/lease issue, not a disqualifier. I’d keep it simple and base the decision on their credit and rental qualifications. Otherwise, you risk creating other issues for yourself.