Need Help!...For Rent To Disability Persons
What should you do when you are asked to rent to disable persons?
I had a guy came to my rental property and would like to rent my house to his parents, and their two adults who are disabled.
Profiles
Dad (don't know how to read) and old
His girl friend: old and can not walk up stairs
His/her 2 son/daughters: mentally ills
Assumely, no convictions or drug...
They used to live in trailer in another state in South. Now they sold their trailer and move up North to stay with him.
He said he is currently working as an office assistant in hospital. No car and ride with his buddy. Will walk about 5 blocks to visit his parents. He said his Mom will stay in the main floor and make the room in the living room so she does not have to go upstairs.
He said his parents will pay deposit and rents out of their SSI and disability funds they receive.
They want to move in the next few days.
What should you do? Any advices?
Thank you very much
The Fair Housing Act prohibits the denial of housing to a person based on the person's membership in one or more of the classes protected under the act. The protected classes are race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status and disability.
The disability provision is to permit people with disabilities to live where they wish, irrespective of the views, prejudices and desires or neighbors, government or the real estate industry.
UNDER THE ACT, DISABILITY MEANS WITH RESPECT TO A PERSON:
* A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities.
* A record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment.
One may not be discriminated against in the following circumstances:
* The sale or rental of most housing;
This particular summary comes from the state of TN's website for informing mentally handicapped persons of their rights under the law but its pretty clear that if your only reason for not renting to these people is physical or mental handicap you are in violation of the federal fair housing act.
I don't like to discriminate anyone because I don't want anyone discriminate me.
Actually, I sincerely like to help them.
I questioned that person that based on his story.
How can your parents live in if she could not walk or move upstairs to the bedrooms?
Answer: She will make the room in the living room.
How can your parents pay the rent?
Answer: They receive the payment and is comfortable with it
Who signs the lease if your Dad does not read?
Answer: My Dad's girlfriend will do since she can read.
How do you know your parents like the house?
Answer: I like the house very much and I think my parents will
And I don't know what requirements for disabled person to live in the house?
What if they move in, and request to install the rail for wheel chair, make the door bigger,...?? If they request or the law requires landlord MUST provide these things to disable people, I can not make it? What happens? Evict them?? If so, why do I rent to them if I know I can not fulfill these requirements?
I want people who live in my house comfortable and enjoy it. That's my ultimate goal. Everyone is win-win situation.
At the same time, I have tenant Sec 8 would like to move in.
It's kind of tough decision to make.
I wish I could MEET his parents face-to-face and go with my guts or know someone have been in this situation before. So many unknown variables. I wish I know all.
Just don't know what to do and don't want to wake up in the midle of the night and feel bad for myself because people take advantage of me.
Anyway, I really appreciate any helps from anyone.
I would still do the same screening you would do for any other applicant - credit check, criminal background check, etc.
Does anyone know if a LL is required to do extensive upgrades to accomodate a propective disabled tenant? (wheelchair ramps, wider doorways, etc) Does the answer change if it's an existing tenant?
Forget the disabled part for the moment....
How do these tenants compare as far as qualifications to the prospective Section 8 tenant? Is one's credit better? Is ones' criminal background more appealing?
As for signing the lease, you will want everyone living there to sign the lease. If the girlfriend signs, and not the older gentleman, then he won't be responsible if the lease is broken He can sign an "X", or he can meet with an attorney an appoint someone, such as his son, to sign for him as Power of Attorney.
don't try to help treat it as a buss. because thats what it is. i have been screwed trying to help more than any other way.......km
Hey,
It has been awhile, but I believe this is still the law....
In regards to modifications to the rental unit (SFR), the LL is NOT required to make the modifications BUT must allow modifications to be made at the tenant's expense.
I had an elderly man in a wheelchair rent a 3/1 ranch from me and he installed rails on the tub and near the toilet.