A Los Angeles landlord is raising eyebrows – and perhaps the hackles of housing rights advocates – with a unique tenant screening process. Dave Goldstein, owner of Art Deco Apartments, asks prospective renters for their astrological sign as part of their application.
A Personality Assessment?
Goldstein, who says he doesn’t consider credit scores when evaluating applicants, believes the information provides insight into a potential tenant’s personality. He even expressed a preference for Leos, stating, “You’re your own boss. You’ll change every light bulb. You’ll never call us.” He also noted he welcomes tenants with pets. Goldstein, who operates his business from century-old buildings like The Mauretania in Hancock Park, says his method helps him find tenants who will appreciate his properties.
Goldstein also asks applicants about their hometown and the color of their car, a practice he acknowledges surprises some people. However, he believes it fosters a more personal connection than typical landlord-tenant interactions.
Legal Concerns Arise
While Goldstein maintains he has tenants of all astrological signs and intends to continue the practice, housing rights experts suggest it may be legally questionable. Attorneys at the Housing Rights Center and Public Counsel point to the California Unruh Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on a number of personal characteristics.
Although there’s no specific legal precedent prohibiting screening based on birth month, lawyers argue that asking about astrological signs could be seen as arbitrary and potentially discriminatory, as individuals have no control over their astrological sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dave Goldstein look for in a tenant?
Dave Goldstein looks for tenants whose personality traits align with his expectations, as determined by their astrological sign. He specifically mentioned a preference for Leos, believing they are self-sufficient and require minimal landlord intervention.
Does Goldstein consider credit scores when screening tenants?
No, Dave Goldstein stated he does not care about credit scores when evaluating potential renters.
Is it legal to ask prospective tenants about their astrological sign?
Housing rights attorneys say there is no specific law banning landlords from asking about astrological signs, but it could potentially violate the California Unruh Civil Rights Act due to the arbitrary nature of the question.
Could this unusual screening practice face legal challenges, or might other landlords adopt similar methods?
