Your Online Legal Resource Center for Property Management

Yes, it is a form of discrimination. But unfortunately, you have no legal protection against it.

Only certain kinds of discrimination, such as that based on race, ethnicity, religion, family status and disability are recognized as illegal. Many states and some localities have added others -- such as gender and sexual orientation -- but convicted felons are not now on any state's list. It is very unfair, in many cases, to deny housing to someone based on a very old conviction, but there is no law against it.

In the future, anticipate that this information will come to the attention of prospective landlords -- and employers, too. Deal with it before the landlord or employer sees it on your credit report or comes across it during some other check. Bring up the fact of the conviction yourself, during the application process, and do your best to convince the landlord that you have moved well beyond those days and will be a thoroughly law-abiding and stable tenant. If the conviction is old and your record is spotless since you got it, it will be harder for the landlord to reject you.

Copyright © 1999-2000 Nolo.com All Rights Reserved

A Message to Our Readers:
This article provides information and general advice about the law. But laws and procedures change frequently, and they can be interpreted differently by different people. For specific advice geared to your specific situation, consult an expert. No book, software or other published material is a substitute for personalized advice from a knowledgeable lawyer licensed to practice law in your state. Neither Property Automation Software Corporation nor Nolo shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance on the content.