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Anyone else notice there is a lot of sexism going on when browsing the craigslist apartment/rooms sections? I see a lot of "female only" being blatantly advertised. Even though it is illegal according to FHA rules.
Anyone else notice there is a lot of sexism going on when browsing the craigslist apartment/rooms sections? I see a lot of "female only" being blatantly advertised. Even though it is illegal according to FHA rules.
I almost never see, "male only."
"I almost never see, "male only."
That's because it's dirty old men like me placing those ads.. (:>o)
My understanding is that there are situations when it is not illegal to discriminate between the sexes.
For example. If I want to rent out a room in my own house, that I am living in, I can advertise "Female only". I think that a tenant looking for a roommate could also advertise for a specific sex.
A landlord or owner of a rental building can not discriminate. However, I believe that an owner who lives in one half of a duplex and is renting out the other side, can discriminate.
I haven't been to the apartment section, so I don't know if that is the case or not, but the point is that not al discrimination is illegal, or necessarily wrong.
*edit* as for why it is usually "Female Only", I think that females are inherently more cautious in choosing a roommate. Males will take whoever, as they generally feel more confident in their own physical ability to deal with a problem. Females in general, know that males, in general, are going to be physically stronger than they are, and so they may not be able to defend themselves if they come up against a problem roommate. Added to that, I would guess that more males post "female only" than females post "male only", throwing the balance even further.
I rented out rooms in my old rental and I would almost always put 'females only'. You wouldn't believe how many creepy 50 year old men I would get applying for a room in a house with 3 other early 20s females. I also used a gender neutral name when putting up an ad. I had 2 registered sex offenders apply for a room in my house last year, so I was very very careful.
I'm so happy I don't have to deal with roommates anymore.
Lacerta is correct. If you are renting out a room in your own home, or getting a roommate, you can specify gender and not be in violation of Fair Housing laws.
The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In some circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.
What's known as the "Mrs. Murphy exception" to the Fair Housing Act says that if you are renting three or fewer units and live in the building, you can discriminate. This would obviously apply to roommates. You cannot, however, advertise your preference, which has led some to claim the FHA is a violation of the first amendment. More on this in the linked articles.
I rented out rooms in my old rental and I would almost always put 'females only'. You wouldn't believe how many creepy 50 year old men I would get applying for a room in a house with 3 other early 20s females. I also used a gender neutral name when putting up an ad. I had 2 registered sex offenders apply for a room in my house last year, so I was very very careful.
A lot of time, I think that females are perceived as being neater, cleaner and, perhaps, more responsible than males. Obviously, that's not true in every case (perhaps not even in MOST cases), but perception doesn't always = reality.
According to the rules for roommates, you can. You didn't read the links.
Are there any exceptions to the advertising laws?
Under federal Fair Housing law, the prohibition on discriminatory advertisements applies to all situations except the following:
* Shared Housing Exemption -- If you are advertising a shared housing unit, in which tenants will be sharing a bathroom, kitchen, or other common area, you may express a preference based upon sex only.
* Private Club and Religious Exemptions -- A religious community or private club whose membership is not restricted based upon race, color, or national origin may restrict tenancy only to its members in a property that it owns, and may advertise to that effect.
* Housing for Older Persons Exemption -- As discussed below, certain complexes for elderly persons are exempt from prohibitions on familial status discrimination, including the prohibitions on discriminatory advertising.
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