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From reading posts here on C-D, I understand that real estate agents are prohibited from steering, even if the client desires it. The most common examples I've seen here are race and family status. So I have a question about disability -- I have mobility challenges and have need for accessible housing. Is it illegal for me to ask my real estate agent to only show me properties that are handicap/wheelchair accessible?
It would not be illegal at all.
The only thing that would be illegal would be if someone did not want to sell or rent to you because you are handicapped.
Correct. In fact, most MLSs include accessible features in their descriptions of properties. Your agent can actually search for properties based on these features.
I received an email today from my HOA (on one of the properties I have) that a sex offender has moved in this gated community and they send emails to all home owners. This offender is a renter and the owners are investors from California who bought a town home in Florida.
My question is can you refuse to rent a town home to a sex offender under the fair housing act? I have on my application the questions: "ever been arrested and if yes for what"? A little other wording but this is short for what has to be filled out.
The Fair Housing Act only covers the nine protected classes of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status, age and marital status. There may be other laws governing discrimination against ex-convicts and ex-felons.
I received an email today from my HOA (on one of the properties I have) that a sex offender has moved in this gated community and they send emails to all home owners. This offender is a renter and the owners are investors from California who bought a town home in Florida.
My question is can you refuse to rent a town home to a sex offender under the fair housing act? I have on my application the questions: "ever been arrested and if yes for what"? A little other wording but this is short for what has to be filled out.
You can check not only the credit of a potential renter but also a criminal background check at this site:
From reading posts here on C-D, I understand that real estate agents are prohibited from steering, even if the client desires it. The most common examples I've seen here are race and family status. So I have a question about disability -- I have mobility challenges and have need for accessible housing. Is it illegal for me to ask my real estate agent to only show me properties that are handicap/wheelchair accessible?
A Realtor cannot assume what's best for a buyer.
As a buyer, you can specify exactly what you want.
I know the president of the HOA in the community is sending emails about this sex offenders to all home owners who had signed up to receive emails through the community website. In that email he stated that the community lawyer is taking action to have the tenant removed from this community. If he succeed or what is going to happen, I have no clue, but will ask when I see the president of this community.
Can a landlord be held liable for allowing an ex-felon to lease a property?
These days anyone can be liable for anything it seems. I guess it would depend on the circumstances and whether they do something to bring harm to another resident. Checking the criminal background just adds some protection. For registered sex offenders, that is public knowledge and can be found on your state police's website.
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