At first glance, this might seem like a reasonable idea. You may think women tenants might be more diligent with maintenance or easier to work with. However, assumptions like these are not always accurate—and, more importantly, such practices are considered discriminatory.
Before making any decisions about tenant selection, consider the insights shared by a Maryland property management company. Avoiding these key legal pitfalls can help ensure that 2024 is a more successful year, free from costly mistakes that could impact your long-term income.
Keep in mind that this information is not legal counsel. We highly encourage you to work with an experienced attorney if you’re not handling this process via full-service property management.
Know the Laws About Rental Discrimination in Baltimore
Baltimore rental laws, as well as federal laws, make it clear: discrimination during tenant screening is illegal. These regulations apply to all types of rental properties, from single-family homes to multi-family buildings.
Understanding Protected Categories Under Fair Housing Laws
Federal and Baltimore fair housing laws protect renters based on specific categories, including:
- Sex
- Race
- Color
- National Origin
- Religion
- Familial Status
- Disability
Additionally, protections now extend to age, ancestry, marital status, immigration status, sexual orientation, and income source. As a Maryland property owner, it’s crucial to follow these guidelines to avoid unintentional discrimination and potential legal repercussions.
Can You Choose Tenants Based on Gender?
Even if you think choosing tenants based on gender might help you find renters who are a good fit, excluding tenants by gender is considered discriminatory. Baltimore property owners must adhere to these laws to avoid discrimination claims.
What Factors Can You Consider During Tenant Screening?
While some factors are off-limits, others are fair to assess when screening potential tenants. For example, it’s acceptable to:
- Review Credit and Income: Deny applicants with insufficient income or poor credit to ensure they can pay the rent.
- Consider Rental History: Evaluate references and past behavior, which can indicate reliability.
- Examine Criminal Background: Landlords can screen for specific criminal histories, although this must be applied consistently.
Certain housing types, such as senior communities or private clubs, may also have specific eligibility rules. However, these exceptions are narrow and must be documented carefully.
Prohibited Practices in Tenant Selection
When renting out Baltimore homes, landlords are prohibited from engaging in discriminatory practices under the Fair Housing Act, including:
- Setting Different Rental Terms: Offering varied lease terms based on protected class status.
- Withholding Property Availability: Falsely claiming property is unavailable due to a tenant’s protected class.
- Using Discriminatory Language: In advertising or statements that show a preference for or against a protected class.
- Charging Different Rates: Varying rental prices based on a tenant's protected class.
Avoiding Unintentional Discrimination
While it might feel like these laws place limitations on property owners, they’re designed to ensure equal access to safe housing. Inadvertent discrimination is still discrimination, so working with a knowledgeable Maryland property management company is essential to stay compliant and protect your investments.
How to Select the Best Tenant for Your Rental Property
Every property owner wants to find tenants who pay on time, maintain the property, and respect their rental agreement. To ensure compliance, use professional language and consistent procedures during tenant screening.
One of the best ways to avoid discriminatory practices is by partnering with a trusted Maryland property management company. A professional management team provides tenant screening services that help you find quality tenants while staying compliant with state and federal laws.
Why Partner with Osprey Property Management?
Osprey Property Management offers full-service property management, including expert tenant screening that aligns with Baltimore’s legal requirements. With our extensive experience and support, we ensure your rental process is streamlined, compliant, and effective for growing your rental portfolio in Maryland.
Ready to elevate your property management? Download our free guide on real estate investing to learn more about successful portfolio growth in Maryland!
