TerribleRenters.com - Is this legal?

Check it out for yourself at www.terriblerenters.com and come back and tell us what you think.

I think it depends on whether or not the postings are true. I doubt most management companies would post such information; however, it appears those independent landlords may be on to some new method of revenge. I'm not an attorney but it seems those who have been identified as "terrible renters" would have to prove the accusations are untrue in order to win a judgement.

I think I'll stick to the high road. Do a thorough background check and try to avoid the terrible renters all together.

Sometimes, renters need to be educated on acceptable living standards, but it is up to the landlord to teach their tenants by enforcing the rules quickly and firmly.

If the renter refuses to learn and follow the rules, let them find themselves without housing.

Sometimes a landlord can perform all the necessary checks and STILL get stuck with a nightmate tenant. We can educate residents (I call it training) to the best of our ability and we can eventually evict a problem tenant which will be recorded on a court docket. I see private landlords (those who rent one or two properties they own and manage themselves) fall prey to horrendous scammers who take advantage of them. They may cause waste in the unit until the court date occurs and never pay a penny leaving landlords paying thousands of dollars in turnover costs. I don't see this website as something management companies would use; however, I do see private landlords using it. It serves as a forewarning for other landlords. The question is, is it legal?

I agree, funny read; but not sure if it is entirely legal. I see potential privacy issues and fair housing issues with this. Plus, if any mental issues are revealed, there is HPAA to contend with; and we cannot screen against these issues.

I did have a resident that presented 'normal' throughout her application process, but soon after moving in; apparently went off her medication and spiraled out of control. I did eventually have to evict her for multiple issues, including nonpayment and creating issues with quiet enjoyment. She even tried to spray me with mace once. Her process was interrupted by 2 extended stays in the mental hospital.

I like the idea, but I think there could be a better way. This is slander at it's finest, unless it can be proved 100%. There can't be any opinions like "They won't answer summons." That's impossible to know. It would need to be more specific.

I get too many applicants who say their previous landlords reported false information to the credit bureau.

I always give the applicant a chance to explain negative comments from previous landlords. They'll never get a chance on a website like this.


Some of these stories are definately a nightmare and I would like information like this before renting from someone. But, I would prefer a source that is more reliable and accountable.

While it's tempting to use a forum that helps defray some of the ravages of ApartmentRatings.com, it's best to check with your company and attorneys before posting information that can be considered retaliatory.

Legality of this site is in the disclaimers. The materials posted by users it at their own risk. Consistent monitoring and moderating is required with this type of forum; I would not use it, and I'm a Manager for an Independant Landlord/Owner (No PMC)... There are better ways to "nip in the bud" tenants such as those displayed on the site.

I saw this on Craigslist and thought it was funny.... I do think this is definitely a fair housing complaint in the making:

sacramento.craigslist.org/rnr/2996480628.html

Wow, I can see this as being very expensive for the management company. California has laws that other states do not and this one, if this person finds out about this posting of her will for sure have tons of lawyers willing to take her case pro bono!

The former landlord behaved inappropriately and this a perfect example about the importance of adequate screening. The negative result could have easily been avoided if the landlord utilized information available to them.

I am not aware of California law, but in Oregon, it is illegal for any business, including a landlord, to share an individual's personal information with others without their permission.

Below is a link to a free training manual that is used at landlord education seminars all over the country. It contains steps to take to avoid situations like this and much, much more!

www.cdri.com/community-problem-solving/p...ther-free-stuff.html

@ Rose: I know that, and you know that the prior landlord behaved inappropriately; but does this person?

I would be interested to find out if the person the landlord vented about finds out about this and presses charges.....

It is not legal.
but as a LL in Chicago I can tell you that I do not rent to people I do not like.
if someone has a bad attitude or their children disrespect me or the property during a showing (which has happened) I simply trash their application.
as I have bought the houses and pay the taxes, water, etc. it is my perrogative to weed out who I rent to - not some agency.(period)

I had an applicant for one of my rental homes and all I heard from her was how great she was. I couldn't get hold of her references and her employer would only verify she worked there. When I checked Terrible Renters her name lit the place up. She had bad reviews from 4 different landlords and was still looking for a place. Her name is Mary Ellison. Overall I'd say this site is great.