by 
When Prospects Ask, �What Kind of People Live Here?�
It happens often. You are asked the question, �What kind of people live here?�
This question may seem innocent at first but you quickly recognize the prospect or resident is digging for information based on a protected class such as race, color, or national origin. Sometimes it is even more direct.
- “Do many Mexicans live here?”
- “I don�t want to live around Muslims.”
- “Is it noisy here? Any kids?”
- “Is it true this place has lots of Christians?”
Of course, your answer must never reveal any discrimination or favoritism based on the 7 Federal protect classes of the Fair Housing Act; 1. Race, 2. Color, 3. Religion/Creed, 4. National Origin, 5. Sex or gender, 6. Familia Status, 7. Handicap or Disability.
Use these responses to defuse the question and keep you in compliance.
�This community is an equal opportunity renter. We welcome anyone who completes an application and meets our rental criteria.�
If the prospect keeps pushing you can follow with this.�If I answered that question, I�d be violating not only company policy, but also federal fair housing laws. If you�re not familiar with the law, you might want to read the explanation on our fair housing poster.�
Point to the fair housing poster in your office and continue, �I would be happy to show you an apartment, but I can�t answer that question.�
Finally, for that especially persistent and discriminating prospect or resident, use this response. This will stop �em in their tracks.
�So you want to know what kind of people live here? Well, people who pay their rent on time!�
(Thanks to Doug Chasick, the Apartment Doctor, for this response!)
