Landlords & How to Choose a Tenant
June 16, 2020
Many landlords these days find themselves in the excellent position of getting multiple applications from qualified tenants. But I got a question the other day that shows it's not always so cut and dried.
Here's the question: "maybe the first applicant qualifies, but another has better education and character. Can I choose the other one?"
In this video I will give you two "best practices" that should simplify the screening process and help keep you out of Fair Housing trouble. Then I'll discuss why that particular question sets off some possible warning flags. I'll end with a reminder of just what the protected classes are and tell you about a few new ones, one of which in particular is going to have a big impact on Maryland and Prince George's County landlords.
Here is a printable list of Protected Classes to drop into your rental files to keep them top of mind. Please note that Source of Income is not yet added for Maryland on this PDF because it doesn't go into effect state-wide until October 1, 2020. It is already in effect in Prince George's County.
Some additional resources:
Maryland information on Housing Discrimination:
https://mccr.maryland.gov/Pages/Housing-Discrimination.aspx
Landlord obligations under Section 8
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/landlord-obligations-under-section-8-2124987
The Fair Housing Action Center of Maryland
https://www.fairhousingmd.org/
Illegal Actions your landlord could be taking
https://www.thebalancesmb.com/illegal-actions-your-landlord-could-be-taking-4154964
Article: Prince George's County Council adopts Fair Housing Act to ban Source of Income, Immigration Status and Citizenship Status
https://www.thebaynet.com/articles/1119/county-council-adopts-fair-housing-act-to-ban-source-of-income-immigration-status-and-citizenship-status-in-housing.html
A lifetime Maryland resident, Susan Pruden has the ideal foundation for selling and buying homes. After 8 years working in just about every facet of the mortgage industry, and several years with her own company specializing in marketing for real estate agents, Susan got her real estate license in 1994. Susan has earned several industry awards. The CENTURY 21 Quality Service Pinnacle Award is based on reviews from Susan's clients and is earned by a very small percentage of agents. She has earned that coveted recognition since 2012
Two others were awarded by the Prince George's Association of REALTORS®. The Distinguished Sales Associate of the Year Award is based on a mixture of community involvement, association involvement and real estate education and designations. The other, the Distinguished Service Award, is for "exceptional meritorious service."
Susan is involved in her local community. She was named Cheverly Volunteer of the Year in 2018, even having June 25th designated "Susan Pruden Day" in the Town of Cheverly. She is also a Commissioner on the Prince George's County Historic Preservation Commission and President of the Cheverly American Legion Auxiliary.
Susan Pruden has lived in Cheverly lived with her husband, Joseph, for almost 30 years.
