More Landlord Friendly Laws in 2012?

I was pleased to read about Wisconsin proposing new rules which are actually in favor of landlords. It's an increasing problem across the country where cities and counties are passing laws which could harm the very fabric that landlords rely upon to run their business.

Some examples of laws some localities have passed or plan to pass:

1. Prohibits or limits the landlord from obtaining or using various types of information about a tenant or prospective tenant, such as household income, occupation, court records, rental history, and credit information;
2. Limits how far back in time a prospective tenant’s credit information, conviction record, or previous housing may be considered by the landlord; or
3. Prohibits the landlord from showing a rental property to a prospective tenant, or from entering into a rental agreement for a rental property with a prospective tenant, while the current tenant is living there.

These laws proposed in Wisconsin prevents cities, towns, villages and counties within the state from passing their own local ordinances which restrict landlords in the above manners.

Obviously the local governments are attempting to protect tenants; however, it's entirely at the cost of landlords being able to run a business. Somewhat akin to taking away the ability of a car buyer to be allowed to read reviews on the car before purchasing it. Requiring them to purchase the car sight unseen, thereby just guessing if it's going to work well for them.

Taking away the very necessary screening tools that landlords need to rely on is a very very bad idea IMHO. I hope these pro-landlord laws are a trend that continues and is adopted by more states. I'm not thrilled about my city changing the rules mid-stream on me or my clients which prevent them from being able to run their business effectively.

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Nathan is a member of Rentec Direct who provides rental software, tenant ach payment processing, and tenant screening for property managers and landlords nationwide.