Discrimination in Rental Decisions: Managing Tenant Numbers and Property Integrity

Landlords often have to make difficult decisions when assessing and approving potential tenants. While it is often debated whether landlords can discriminate based on the number of potential tenants, the reality is quite different. This article explores the nuances of these decisions, compliant actions, and the role of housing regulations.

Understanding Rental Decisions

Landlords are not required to accept too many tenants in one unit for several reasons. One of the primary concerns is the well-being of the property and the tenants themselves. Landlords must ensure that the living conditions are safe, healthy, and conducive to a stable and comfortable living environment.

Considered Choices and Common Sense

When a landlord makes a selection, it is often a carefully considered choice rather than discrimination. For example, if a family has too many members to suit the property, such as a two-bedroom house designed for a maximum of four people, it is a matter of common sense to disqualify the application. This decision is based on various factors, including safety, maintenance, and tenant satisfaction.

The Need for Compliance with Health and Safety Standards

Health inspectors have specific guidelines that must be adhered to. In many cases, the number of people living in a property should not exceed the number of bedrooms. If a living room is used as a temporary bedroom, this can lead to violations and health risks. For instance, if a two-bedroom house is occupied by six people, the living conditions can deteriorate significantly, potentially leading to mold, overcrowding, and other health hazards.

Practical Challenges and Management Solutions

Landlords may face practical challenges when managing tenant numbers, especially in tight living spaces. For example, a landlord managed a two-bedroom house and initially rented it to a family of four. However, due to unexpected circumstances, the family was joined by additional relatives, leading to a situation where four adults and four minors were living in the house.

This situation not only strained the living space but also caused significant wear and tear on the property. The landlord had to take proactive measures, such as adding clauses to the lease agreement, to address these issues. These measures may include stipulations regarding the number of occupants and the prohibition of certain behaviors that could damage the property.

Housing Regulations and Community Guidelines

Many communities have housing laws and regulations that dictate the number of people that can live in a property based on the number of bedrooms. These regulations also often include restrictions on the number of unrelated individuals living together or the sharing of rooms by children of different genders.

Landlords may also be required to charge higher rent based on the number of occupants. However, in practice, this may not always be implemented due to the complex nature of maintenance and wear and tear. It is important for landlords to stay informed about local housing regulations and ensure compliance with these laws.

Conclusion

In conclusion, landlords have a legitimate reason to make decisions based on the number of potential tenants, particularly with regard to property safety and maintenance. While this decision is often controversial, it is grounded in the principles of common sense and compliance with health and safety standards. It is also important for landlords to be aware of the local housing regulations and to enforce guidelines that protect both the property and the tenants.