Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Maryland

I recently filled out an application for an apartment and was denied simply because I was a full-time college student. When I asked what the reason was that they did not accept full-time college students the employee told me that she did not know and that it was just what upper management had decided and that they had other locations that did accept full-time students, but they are too far away from my school and current job. I just dont understand how I can be denied because I am a student when I make enough money at my full-time job to live there. Could that be considered a form of discrimination?


Asked on 9/12/10, 12:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Phillip M. Cook Cook Legal Services, LLC

One could argue that the policy discriminates based on a person's AGE, not the fact that they are a college student. In other words, if you were an independently wealthy 55 year old (say you won the lottery!) and decided to go back and pursue your college degree since working isn't really an issue anymore, the apt complex would likely not care that you are a college student. It's the fact that you are within a certain age group that has upper management scared. I'm sure you can understand why. Don't waste your time threatening them with legal action. We live in a bad economy -- there are plenty of landlords with very nice apartments who would be THRILLED to have a college student staying in his/her unit.

Best of luck.*******The above is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client privilege.*******

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Answered on 9/20/10, 4:34 am


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