Fair Housing Law

[bzdmk]

I live in Los Angeles, CA.

Over the weekend my bf and I went apt hunting and we visited this place that was really great.

But, one thing that raised a big red flag, was when I asked the leasing guy if there were lot of kids around the building.

His answer was: Well, based on the fair housing law, i cannot answer that question.

My question now is, don't I have the rights to know who my neighbors will be? I didn't ask about gender, race or religion, I just want to know if there are kids around there cause then i'll know what to expect.

 

[Who's Liable?]

Fair question on your part.

I think the person you are talked to doesn't really understand the law and didn't realize they can legally answer that question.

They can't make a decision to NOT rent to a prospective tenant solely based on the fact that they have children.

 

[ecmst12]

He doesn't have to answer the question. Nothing prevents you from asking and the law doesn't prevent him from answering, but doesn't compel him to either. The only thing he CAN'T do is decide whether to rent to someone based on whether they have kids or not.

 

[sandyclaus]

The fact that LL chooses not to answer may have nothing to do with prospective tenants having kids. I don't recall OP saying that they did, only asking if there were children already there. Perhaps OP is concerned because they may choose not to live somewhere that a lot of kids are because they may not be comfortable living with children themselves. OP is allowed to discriminate in that way if it is their preference. LL may not want to answer for fear that he stands to lose a prospective tenant.

That being said, all OP needs to do is come back to the property, have a look around, and maybe speak to some of the tenants or neighbors themselves to answer their question. A little proper investigation, if they really like this place, can go a long way in helping to make that decision.

 

[Baranov]

That was a smart and safe response. Had you been a fed trying to trap him into saying that he didn’t allow kids or that he housed families in another building you would have had him.

 

[HomeGuru]

I live in Los Angeles, CA.

Over the weekend my bf and I went apt hunting and we visited this place that was really great.

But, one thing that raised a big red flag, was when I asked the leasing guy if there were lot of kids around the building.

His answer was: Well, based on the fair housing law, i cannot answer that question.

My question now is, don't I have the rights to know who my neighbors will be? I didn't ask about gender, race or religion, I just want to know if there are kids around there cause then i'll know what to expect.

**A: the answer to your question is in the Fair Housing Law.
Read it.

 

[bzdmk]

That was a smart and safe response. Had you been a fed trying to trap him into saying that he didn’t allow kids or that he housed families in another building you would have had him.

I think you didn't understand my question... Thanks for the response anyway...

 

[bzdmk]

**A: the answer to your question is in the Fair Housing Law.
Read it.

Thanks. -_-

 

[juber0]

Yeah this is definatley not a violation of the fair housing law. The law basically states that HE COULD NOT say that he does not rent to children, minorities, certain religions.

you definatley have the right to know if his neighbors have children. This is a landlord ignorant to the law.

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Please point out what law gives a tenant "the right" to know if his/her neighbors have children.

Gail

 

[Baranov]

You have the right to know who lives in the apartments and that is information you can get on your own. He on the other hand has to be careful not to appear to be steering applicants and to suspect that you may be setting him up.

 

[bzdmk]

Please point out what law gives a tenant "the right" to know if his/her neighbors have children.

Gail

Well, it might not be a law, but I feel that I have the rights to know who will be living next to me. That's all.
For a $1,500 a month and a 15 month commitment, I feel like I have to ask about things that I think will bother me in the future.

The law part was mentioned by him not me.

 

[Baranov]

Please point out what law gives a tenant "the right" to know if his/her neighbors have children.
Gail

She has the right to "know" she does not have the right to demand and get a response. You can probably refer to the constitution for her rights, but I could just as well ask you to produce a law that states she does not have a right to know.

 

[Zigner]

Well, it might not be a law, but I feel that I have the rights to know who will be living next to me. That's all.
For a $1,500 a month and a 15 month commitment, I feel like I have to ask about things that I think will bother me in the future.

The law part was mentioned by him not me.

You also have the "right" to not rent that apartment.

 

[Sweett33]

I disagree with all those who said the leasing representative misinterpreted/and didn't understand that he could answer the question. He or she sounds like someone who is actually knowledgeable about the current climate of discrimination lawsuits. For an innocent prospect who is simply trying to get information, you would be shocked at the seemingly innocent questions and answers that spark lawsuits of discrimination. The correct action is to do your own homework, go to the property at different times of the day and speak with people living there, observe the activity, etc. Anyone with the authority to rent can answer questions about the conditions of the rental, and requirement of a qualified applicant. To engage in dialogue about the people renting nearby is not advisable and attorneys who represent landlords advise clients to do just what the leasing agent did.