Are all sex offenders bad people, or are there exceptions to the rule? Let’s say your tenant applicant has been forthright and told you they are in fact a registered sex offender, but they claim their crimes were less severe, in that they once had sex with a girlfriend/boyfriend who just 17 years old many years ago. Is this something worth denying tenancy for?

Even if the tenant is honest about their criminal past, you still need to order a thorough background screening. Then, interpret for yourself how serious the offense and if you are comfortable doing business with them.

First, know that a sex offender is someone who has been convicted of a certain sex crime. This can be anything from:

• Sex with a minor (statutory rape)

• Sexual assault

• Molestation of a child

• Continuous abuse of a child

• Infamous crimes against nature

• Lewd and lascivious acts

• Indecent exposure

• Prostituting a child

• Incest

• Kidnapping

• Failure to register as sex offender

Secondly, you should understand that state courts classify different “levels” or “tiers” of sex offenders. Almost all areas of the US abide by this standard:


• Level I offenders, who are at low risk to reoffend;


• Level II offenders, who are at moderate risk to reoffend


• Level III offenders, who are at high risk to reoffend.

It’s important to remember that while you might be comfortable renting to a Level I offender, your neighbors might not be as receptive. Therefore, it’s important to really think about how it will not only affect your relationships and your business reputation in addition to your bottom line.