Tips for vetting tenants in DC - seeking tips from landlords
Good morning, I am putting a 2 bedroom condo for rent in DC, and want to ensure there are no issues with DC fair housing codes, and discrimination, but also want a stringent screening process. How do you structure your application process, or rental application, or rental agreement, to avoid discrimination claims? I fear I’m not 100% versed in what I can and can not ask a prospective tenant. There are so many legal pitfalls because this city is overwhelmingly slanted toward the tenant’s side. What do you ask when looking to rent? I know you can’t say “no vouchers” etc, but can you specifically ask for a credit score? What language should I, off the bat, put into the ad online to vet out poor candidates? Are you not allowed to ask about criminal history, or at least preclude someone based on a criminal history? Any tips for an iron clad lease, rental application and the actual rental ad are appreciated.