Deny due to "sexual predator"?

[LindaP777]

What is the name of your state? OHIO
First time for me - am I allowed to deny someone from renting from me because they are a "sexual predator" (served their 1 year prison sentence, got out in February).
I have multiple tenants on the same street. If I rented to this guy, chances are my other tenants will not renew their leases when the time comes (keep in mind, they would all recieved the standard "sexual offender/predator notifications cards" in the mail, if I let the guy move in).
My gut says "no! don't rent to him" but I'm afraid this is "discrimination" and he may sue or something. OK, it is discrimination, but am I allow to discriminate in this case?

 

[seniorjudge]

Don't rent to him.

Can you imagine him before a jury asking for sympathy?

But, while you are at it, get a lawyer's opinion on the status of not renting to perverts.

(As I said, sounds okay to me.)

 

[LindaP777]

Much appreciated!!!
He was convicted (if that is the right word, he did confess to the crime) to repeated behavior with minor (young teen-aged girl, not a 17.5 year old). He's only been "out" since February and has violated parole twice since then! (He gave me his parole officers name and phone number so I could talk to her, thinking she would tell me he is a great guy. When, in fact, she told me he was a master manipulator, who thinks he's too good for the court mandated counseling!) BTW - the guy said the prison was like a "country club"! Apparently, he was not used to such nice facilities and three meals a day!

 

[Just Blue]

Much appreciated!!!
He was convicted (if that is the right word, he did confess) to repeated behavior with minor (young teen-aged girl, not a 17.5 year old). He's only been "out" since February and has violated parole twice since then! (He gave me his parole officers name and phone number so I could talk to her, thinking she would tell me he is a great guy. When, in fact, she told me he was a master manipulator, who thinks he's too good for the court mandated counseling!) BTW - the guy said the prison was like a "country club"! Apparently, he was not used to such nice facilities and three meals a day!

Sexual Predators are not a protected class. Don't rent to the perv.

 

[babs7262@comcas]

You dont have to rent to him

Actually, that is why they have to register as a sex offender, so we have a choice as whether we want to rent to them. In reality, unless the reason is race or religion discrimination, you can turn away anyone you want to.

There were several times I turned away people because of a "bad vibe" If a person looks unsanitary or their credit isnt perfect or just feel uncomfortable, you can turn them away. As stated before, the only reason you cant use is their race or religion

We had a guy who got arrested for sexually abusing little boys a few years ago. You would never of guessed this guy was a predator. We evicted him immediatley

 

[Who's Liable?]

Actually, that is why they have to register as a sex offender, so we have a choice as whether we want to rent to them.

Incorrect... he has to register as a sexual predator because it's the LAW. The general public has the right to know where a sexual predator is living. The City police department is mandated to notify ALL residents, schools, etc. within a mile radius of the predators address. They must also furnish a photo of the predator and the exact address as well as what level threat they are to each house.

In reality, unless the reason is race or religion discrimination, you can turn away anyone you want to.

Incorrect again... you can refuse to rent to a family of 8 who is trying to rent a 2-bedroom unit. You can cite fire safety codes.

 

[LindaP777]

I appreciate all the advice! It's never come up before and I just wanted to make sure I was correct!

 

[OHlandlord]

You can legally deny this man without having to even address the fact that he is a registered sexual predator. The fact is that he is a recently released convicted felon. What he was convicted of is immaterial if your screening criteria is not to rent to convicted felons. Deny due to criminal record and avoid any label of sexual predator whatsoever.

In the state of OH, a registered sex offender canot live within 1000 feet of a school, park, day care center (and a few other places where children congregate). I have to be very careful of this since I own a house less than a block from the elementary school. IT borders very close to the 1000 feet limit so I take no chances.

 

[Alaska landlord]

I just had to deny a felon with 1st degree sexual assault just 3 days ago. His brand new wife did most of the talking, not that it helped. You can deny just based on the fact that he is a felon.

 

[johnd]

In reality, unless the reason is race or religion discrimination, you can turn away anyone you want to.

Ther are far more protections than just race and religion. Sexual orientation, age (within parameters), national origin, handicap, political affiliation, veteran status, etc.

 

[babs7262@comcas]

I know...

I just shortened my answer. I am NOT incorrect for my comments, I just didnt add all of the other reasons. I wanted to stay on topic and the topic is sexual predators. Obvious you cant rent a 2 bedroom apt to 8 ppl, but that wasnt the OP question

As far as the other comment, again, I know it is a LAW, Im a victim of a violent crime myself, but again, I was just staying on topic.

Her question was can you deny a sexual predator and my answer was YES

 

[johnd]

As far as the other comment, again, I know it is a LAW, Im a victim of a violent crime myself, but again, I was just staying on topic.

Hey babs. Don't take it so personally. I'm sure that you know. I was much less correcting you than the statement:
"In reality, unless the reason is race or religion discrimination, you can turn away anyone you want to."

On it's face, it is wholly incorrect. And as the op, you and I are not the only ones reading here, I thought I'd clarify...that's all. Peace out.

 

[ecmst12]

Sexual orientation is not protected in many (if not most) states. I haven't ever heard of political affiliation being protected anywhere. There are a LOT more characteristics that it is LEGAL to discriminate against then not. Being a sex offender and/or convicted felon is obviously not a protected characteristic. But I bet his credit isn't so great either

 

[Alaska landlord]

Ther are far more protections than just race and religion. Sexual orientation, age (within parameters), national origin, handicap, political affiliation, veteran status, etc.

You have to explain Political affiliation to me. That has got to be a new one on most of us.

 

[johnd]

You have to explain Political affiliation to me. That has got to be a new one on most of us.

The term is self-explanatory, and it is enforced throughout several counties in Wisconsin, (rather than being a state code, it is county enforced).