Q: As a landlord in VA, can I use the info on the state's public website for general district courts to deny an application
The state's website, www.courts.state.va.us provides info on cases held in general district courts in every city/county in VA. I used the info to deny a rental application based on unlawful detainers found under his name within the last 5 years, where the plaintiffs, (NOT the applicant!) were granted default judgments, as well as a couple of other red flags found there. No credit reporting agencies were used, and he gave permission for me to investigate his background when he signed the application stating so. It now appears that he lied on the application when he said he had never been evicted. I informed him I could not rent to him and provided the information I mentioned above. Now he feels I have violated the Fair Housing Act somehow. After reviewing the Fair Housing Act and the VRLTA, I don't see anywhere that I have violated either of them. Do you concur?
A: If the denial of the tenant's application is based on facts and not on discrimination, then you are allowed to assert a denial.
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