Can a landlord discriminate against attorneys?
Yes, under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are prohibited from discriminating against tenants based on their occupation, including attorneys. Landlords cannot deny housing or provide different terms, conditions, or privileges based on a tenant’s profession.
As a legal professional, you may be concerned about potential discrimination when looking for a rental property. Here are some common questions and answers related to this issue:
1. Can a landlord refuse to rent to an attorney?
No, it is illegal for landlords to refuse to rent to someone based on their profession, including attorneys.
2. Can a landlord charge higher rent to attorneys?
No, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants by charging higher rent based on their occupation.
3. Can a landlord ask about an attorney’s income or employment status?
Landlords can ask about a tenant’s income and employment status to assess their ability to pay rent, but they cannot use this information to discriminate against attorneys specifically.
4. Can a landlord evict an attorney without valid grounds?
Landlords must have valid reasons for evicting a tenant, regardless of their profession. Discrimination based on occupation is illegal under the Fair Housing Act.
5. Can a landlord treat attorneys differently than other tenants?
No, landlords must treat all tenants equally and cannot provide different terms or conditions based on a tenant’s profession.
6. Can a landlord ask for additional references from an attorney?
Landlords can request references from potential tenants, including attorneys, as part of the application process. However, they cannot use this as a basis for discrimination.
7. Can a landlord deny housing to an attorney based on their legal background?
Landlords cannot deny housing to an attorney based on their legal background or occupation. Discrimination based on profession is illegal.
8. Can a landlord require attorneys to provide more documentation than other tenants?
Landlords can request certain documentation from tenants, but they cannot require attorneys to provide more documentation than other tenants as a form of discrimination.
9. Can a landlord ask an attorney about their work schedule?
Landlords can inquire about a tenant’s work schedule to coordinate maintenance or repairs, but they cannot use this information to discriminate against attorneys.
10. Can a landlord refuse to renew a lease for an attorney?
Landlords must have valid reasons for not renewing a tenant’s lease, regardless of their profession. Discrimination based on occupation is illegal.
11. Can a landlord ask an attorney if they plan to work from home?
Landlords can inquire about a tenant’s plans to work from home for maintenance or noise control purposes, but they cannot discriminate against attorneys based on their occupation.
12. Can a landlord restrict an attorney’s use of common areas in the building?
Landlords cannot restrict an attorney’s access to common areas in the building based on their occupation. All tenants must be treated equally under the law.
In conclusion, landlords are not permitted to discriminate against attorneys or any other profession under the Fair Housing Act. If you believe you have been discriminated against based on your occupation, you may have legal recourse to protect your rights as a tenant.