Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New York
Renting to Sex Offender
I am a Landlord. A level two sex offender has expressed interest in one of my apartments. He fully discolsed all information to me which i confirmed through the registry. Can i legally disqualify him from renting the apartment based on his offense? Should i decide to accept him, do i have to disclose the situation to other tenants in the building? Am I opening myself up to any liablity by renting to him? Thank you for your insight.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Renting to Sex Offender
Q. Can i legally disqualify him from renting the apartment based on his offense?
A. Under law, you cannot disqualify an individual from renting an apartment on the basis of sex, religion, national origin, and sexual orientation. You can disqualify an individual if he or she was a convicted felon.
Q. Should i decide to accept him, do i have to disclose the situation to other tenants in the building?
A. No.
Q. Am I opening myself up to any liablity by renting to him?
A. Maybe. If the future tenant commits a criminal act on another tenant, and you had knowledge of the criminal's background, a cogent argument may be made to hold you responsible. However, that does not mean you will ultimately be held liable for another individual's criminal act.
Mike.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
