The screening tool we'll never use again

It was a fair question to the FB group:

"How do I keep criminals from becoming tenants?"

Then some self-appointed legal expert weighed in:

"Easy. Just say 'no felons' in your lease!"

Ah, yes. The old "If I write it down, it must be true approach."

Here's the thing:

Just because you stick it in your lease doesn't make it legal.

Look, we get it.

Nobody wants their rental to turn into a live episode of Orange Is the New Black.

But a blanket "no felons" policy?

That's less "airtight lease" and more "please sue me."

Fair housing laws don't exactly dabble in gray areas.

You must dig into the details.

What crime? How long ago? Does it really impact their ability to rent?

Don't use a blanket 'no felons' policy when screening tenants.

Unless, of course, you enjoy the thrilling world of fair housing complaints.

And maybe keep Facebook for cat memes and conspiracy theories — not legal strategy.

By Landlord Legal

Happy Thanksgiving, that's issue #136 of The Brief.

Why gamble your livelihood on advice from some Facebook rando — mullet flowing, dirt bike revving and clutching a beer can like he's Judge Judy?

For $250 a year, we'll handle the legal stuff so you don't have to.

DISCLAIMER: Heads up - none of this is legal advice. We share stories and laughs about legal stuff for Landlords.  Do your own homework and stay safe out there!