Question About Potential Renter
Yesterday I had an elderly lady show up to look at an upstairs apartment I have for rent. Upon our initial conversation she stated that she couldn't have an upstairs unit because she would have trouble going up and down the stairs. Once she understood that was all I have she said she'd look at it and filled out an application. My problem is that I am concerned with the liability of having her in the unit because she obviously had a difficult time negotiating the stairs. I don't want to get into any age discrimination problems, but she looks like a lawsuit waiting to fall down my stairs! Does anybody have any advice on handling this?
thanks
1. Make sure you have insurance.
2. If she wants to rent it, the onus is on her.
3. Make Sure you have Insurance.
Additionally, you cannot NOT rent to her on the basis of her handicap, that is discrimination...
[addsig]
Does she pass your application criteria with flying colors? Do you have application criteria. Can you not find something. Does she have income 3x the rent, great credit, and have you checked her rental history? What if there was some repair needed to the apartment and you decided not to rent it for a couple of more weeks while it is fixed? Of course you would really have to not rent the apartment for a couple of weeks and still you are taking a chance and fair housing could come down on you. Why is she fixated on your apartment even though it does not suit her needs? Why is she a desperate tenant. BTW - do not suggest any other apartments, that is a no no.
If she does rent from you up your liability on your insurance. And maybe put in your lease that the tenant is to notify you in writing immediately if there are any safety repairs or concerns such as broken windows, locks, etc. My lease already has some similar language. So if she trips it is not because your steps had a problem.
I do have an application criteria and think I am off the hook. Upon checking her last rental, she hasn't given notice of leaving and has yet to pay rent for this month. That is enough for me!