What’s the Best Way to Screen Tenants Without Discrimination?

In the podcast 'Keys to Success', host Litra Simms takes listeners through real estate basics, focusing on how property owners can most effectively screen prospective tenants while adhering to fair housing laws. Explaining the stipulations of the Fair Housing Act, Litra emphasizes that landlords must not discriminate based on protected characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Simms outlines the importance of consistent criteria for all applicants in their credit history, income verification, and rental history. She advises on how to avoid discriminatory behavior, underscores the importance of professional and neutral communication, and emphasizes the usefulness of a well-documented tenant screening policy. Concluding that fair and equitable tenant screening is not only a legal requirement but also contributes to a robust reputation and protected investments, Simms encourages listeners to maintain open and professional communication for a transparent process.