Is this against Age discrimination law?

Question

I have a property abroad (in Europe) which I rent out to help pay the mortgage. Recently I have had problems with a group of young renters who upset my neighbours with late night parties.

I know not all teenagers are the same (so no lectures please) but I need to be seen to be respecting my neighbours and looking after their interests as well as mine. I want to put a condition that the person responsible for the rental booking is at least 21 years old.

I want to know if it is legal to insist that the main renter in any group I rent to is over 21 years old?

I am thinking about age discrimination law, but it only appears to apply to employment. Can anyone clarify the legal position?

I am only looking for answers from people who know the law PLEASE.

Answer 1

You can't restrict your tenants based on age. However, you can always tell people that you have someone who has already said they want the place, but you are waiting for their security deposit.

That way, you don't have to take their offer to rent the place, and, if it's still not rented in a few months, you can say that things fell through with the other person.

It's a good way to weed out bad renters without getting into trouble with the law.

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Answer 2

you have at least to insert tell us the country where the property is - there are differences between laws in germany, france, spain and so on

Answer 3

That depends on the country you are renting in.  Each country has different laws.

Most likely you can include any stipulations you want on your rental property.  Another possibility is to include a clause for quiet hours after 9pm and that if the cops are called for a noise complaint after 9pm, then the renters will be evicted - something to that effect.

Answer 4

YES it is legal, because it is not in UK and the politically correct nonsense won't apply.

Answer 5

No it's not against the law as if it was how could clubs & bars have a minimum age?

It is just sensible.

Answer 6

If the property is in Europe I don't see how US law would apply at all.

Answer 7

Of course you could ask that the person responsible for the rental booking is at least 21 years old. Remember, they also do this at some hotels and car rental agencies.

Answer 8

I wouldn't consider that 'ageism' but if your totally unsure, check it with a lawyer.

"Ageism is stereotyping and prejudice against individuals or groups because of their age. The term was coined in 1969 by US gerontologist Robert N. Butler to describe discrimination against seniors and patterned on sexism and racism.

Butler defined ageism as a combination of three connected elements. These were:

- prejudicial attitudes towards older people, old age and the ageing process  

- discriminatory practices against older people

- institutional practices and policies that perpetuate stereotypes about older people.

The term has also been used to describe discrimination against teens and children, by ignoring their ideas because they are young or by assuming that they should behave a certain way because of their age."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ageism

Some places do "18-30" holidays, in a sense making sure your property is booked by over 21's is the same thing.