Are landlords allowed to require a co-signer for rental units in compliance with Fair Housing Law?

Yes, landlords are allowed to require a co-signer for rental units in compliance with Fair Housing Law in Virginia. As with other housing rentals, landlords in Virginia have the right to require a co-signer for people who wish to rent a property. However, the co-signer must be able to meet certain criteria, including that they are able to financially cover the tenant’s rental expenses should the tenant be unable to pay at any point. The co-signer also must be in compliance with the Fair Housing Act, which means they cannot be discriminated against based on their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or familial status. This is to protect potential tenants from discriminatory practices and ensure that the co-signer is able to effectively sign the rental agreement. It is important to note that the Fair Housing Act also protects tenants from landlords that may require a co-signer from a specific race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or familial status. In Virginia, landlords are required to provide potential tenants with a written statement that states their right to not have to accept a co-signer as it may discriminate against them in violation of the Fair Housing Act. This is to ensure that tenants understand their rights and that they are receiving fair treatment under the law.

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