Why do people offering properties to rent write 'professionals only'?

Question

Doesn't this discriminate against those who are not Doctors, Solicitors etc... and stereotype non university graduates as loud, drunken and yobbish?

I would be a perfect tenant, I'm quiet and trustworthy and never get drunk. I'm also well qualified and have a good (skilled) job despite the fact that I have never attended university.

Answer 1

I think its just asking for people with jobs, any job.

Answer 2

   Because the bulk of professionals are responsible adults who will take care of the property and pay their rent on time.  People without an education and/or well paying job tend to be poor tenants and destroy the property.

Answer 3

they mean someone earning regularly

Answer 4

Or it could be only persons within a certain income bracket. The rent in that district may be high. In that case job description may be the qualifier...after all drug dealers can afford anything but their' friends' might be a problem for the landlord and other tenants...therefore professionals only.

Answer 5

Indicates a tenant from firmly fixed or established employment.

Professionalism is being in permanent employment position and not temporary employed.

Also in the higher earning bracket.  

Answer 6

They are asking for professionals who have a good job, steady income, and therefore are interested in caring properly for their property whether it is rented or owned.  It has nothing to do with whether you have gone to a university.  What they don't want are college kids or h**l raiser types.  It is within their right.  When I was younger I only rented in communities that were professional.  I certainly didn't want to live in party town.  It makes a difference.

Answer 7

It is hard to know if they mean professional field of work or simply stable in a job. After all, a tradesman (tradesperson rather) can be as professional in the field as a professor, lawyer, or other similar sort.

Me dad was a plumber and was no yob, git or drunk.

If nothing else you can always inquire as to the intent of the word. Maybe different agents/owners intend a different meaning.

Answer 8

I think its just a way to try to ensure that they attract working people able to afford the rent!

Answer 9

I question the legality of the landlord using language like this.  It is one thing to say that you're going to do a credit check, but it's another to say you only want certain types of people as tenants.  It's not unlike saying "whites only" or "no g**s allowed".  

Speaking as a former landlord, you certainly wish and hope for tenants who will be respectful, quiet, and pay their rent on time.  But you can get this without discriminating - and this landlord is using discriminatory language to try to get what he wants.

Answer 10

I've always taken "professionals only" to mean they're looking for someone who has a job with a steady income, not necessarily someone who works in a so-called "professional" field.

Answer 11

I think you are being a bit sensitive about this.

If you feel you are what the property renter wants, apply.  

I know solicitors who do not have college degrees...I know university grads who are loud, drunken and yobbish (?).

Professional does not have anything to do with education.

Answer 12

Same as the date meeting services saying " how to meet professionals that share the same outlooks as you" . Everyone that did not go to college and have a shirt and tie on is obviously a pig and not worthy of anyone elses respect or acknowledgment. Funny ...that usually describes liberals who always describe not to judge others

Answer 13

Anyone specifying that term would be betraying his ignorance because the only five professions are medicine, law, engineering, surveying and accountancy.  He would therefore implicitly be precluding bankers, stock brokers, teachers, clergymen, insurance underwriters and brokers, etc.  

Answer 14

I always assumed that it is just a polite way of saying no students. They want someone reliable. You seem to fit the bill so i am sure they would accept you.

Answer 15

perhaps in this case, professional means hooker. in case they can't make the rent...they can still work something out. lol

Answer 16

this annoys me too. i have some friends who rent out property but say no dss. which baffles me because they are GUARANTEED the rent from dss on time, and does it mean that those who have found themselves unemployed or divorced and lost their home are the same as dss scroungers who have never worked and bled the system. you can't pigeonhole people or stereotype. its wrong. you should take people on circumstance not labels.

and some proffesionals ie; working full time, could easily be bad tenants.

Answer 17

it just means someone with a job - not someone who is claiming benefits

Answer 18

The use of the word 'professional' in rental adverts just means that they are looking for a tenant who is employed. They don't have to be a doctor, lawyer or other profession. Just have a steady income to be able to pay the rent.

I can understand why they say this to some extent, but I do find it a bit s****. - after all, just because someone has a job, be it shop worker or lawyer or whatever, doesn't totally mean they will be guaranteed to pay rent on time or are responsible people. Just the same as you cannot say everyone who relies on benefits will go and spend the rent allowance on themselves or anything irresponsible.

Answer 19

It just means someone in work.  

Answer 20

It means they only want to rent to people well qualified to pay rent and who will be gone everyday,spending little time in the place.

Answer 21

This just means they want a person who has regular work and is less likely to not be able to pay the rent. Basically means they don't want students or people on the dole living in their house.