Applicant has felony on his record : ezLandlordForms

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Kerri H

started a topic almost 15 years ago

I am in Minnesota. Is it legal for me as a landlord to reject an applicant that has a felony on his record? I don't know what the felony is for yet. He called and asked if it would be a problem.

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Ralph F

said almost 15 years ago

Yes it is legal to reject an applicant based on criminal history, as criminals are not a "protected class" according to the Fair Housing Act. I would find out what the felony was though, before just rejecting the applicant outright, as they may prove a great tenant otherwise. (As a side anecdote, I was just listening to a guy the other day who makes a great living by renting his properties to rehabilitated ex-cons who are setting up a new life for themselves.)

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Kerri H

said almost 15 years ago

Thank you Brian!

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Angela L

said over 14 years ago

I rented a house to a parolee (DUI.) He was a great tenant right up to the time Drug Task Force raided him and the house. I will never rent to a convict again.

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Karen C

said 29 days ago

I am in Montana. Is it legal for me as a landlord to reject an applicant that has a felony on his record? They shared what the felony was in 2014 - a none contact sex offense. I researched it and it was a pretty big deal with lots of publicity.