--- title: "Do I Have to Rent to a Registered Sex Offender in SOMD?" description: "There are 700,000 registered sex offenders in the U.S., but does law require a homeowner, landlord or property manager to rent to a registered sex offender?" url: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/do-i-have-to-rent-to-a-registered-sex-offender-in-somd publisher: Real Property Management Gold phone: +1-301-392-2172 assessment: https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment --- # Do I Have to Rent to a Registered Sex Offender in SOMD? MaintenancePublished April 7, 2015Updated September 9, 20252 min read There are more laws restricting sex offenders than any other type of criminal, even murderers. All sex offenders are required by federal law to register their permanent address to a [national database](http://www.nsopw.gov/). State and local laws restrict where a registered sex offender may live, usually keeping them away from schools, parks, daycare centers and other places where children are present. With over 700,000 registered sex offenders in the U.S., finding a place to live proves to be difficult, but does the law require a homeowner, landlord or property manager to rent to a registered sex offender? When convicted sex offender Christopher Hubbart, 63, also known as ‘The Pillowcase Rapist’ for raping at least 40 women was released on parole, he also had a difficult time finding housing. Hubbart wanted to live in his former neighborhood area in California and submitted a rental application to Real Property Management. As part of our policy and procedures to protect our property owners and comply with Fair Housing laws, every rental application goes through several screening processes including criminal background checks. Fair housing laws were put into place to prevent discrimination against certain characteristics such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability but they do not protect against those with a criminal background. Because Hubbart’s criminal background check was not acceptable, Real Property Management [declined his](http://www.realpropertymgt.com/5-reasons-to-hire-a-professional-property-manager) [application](http://www.realpropertymgt.com/5-reasons-to-hire-a-professional-property-manager). According to KTLA-TV in Los Angeles, C.A., Hubbart finally found housing from a homeowner who also is a convicted felon. Demonstrations from protesters with signed petitions and unhappy neighbors and members of the community won’t rest until Hubbart leaves, creating havoc in the neighborhood. The situation made local and national news, reinforcing the need for landlords and property managers to implement greater tenant screening processes. “I’m glad we didn’t allow him into one of our rentals!” said the owner of Real Property Management Antelope Valley after seeing the aftermath of the disgruntled neighborhood dispute and the problems it would have caused the property owner. Because sex offenders are not a [protected class under fair housing laws](http://www.realpropertymgt.com/you-make-the-call-using-criminal-records-in-the-tenant-screening-process), a landlord or property manager is in no way obligated to rent to a registered sex offender or anyone with a criminal background. Knowing local, state, and federal laws for registered sex offenders, understanding fair housing laws, and properly screening all applicants are just some of the many reasons to use a [professional property manager](http://www.realpropertymgt.com/find-the-nearest-real-property-manager) like **Real Property Management Gold**. **To search for and find registered sex offenders in your neighborhood, go to the [National Sex Offender Public Website](http://www.nsopw.gov/en).** First published by Real Property Management Gold on April 7, 2015. Details may have changed since then; current rules are in the [Landlord Center](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/landlord-center). ## Keep reading - [Smart Property Management Strategies for Rental Owners in California, MDCalifornia, Maryland is part of the Southern Maryland rental market and benefits from consistent housing demand driven by military activity, \[…\]](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/smart-property-management-strategies-rental-owners-california-md) - [How 3D Virtual Tours Improve Rental Property Marketing & Lease FasterStand out in a competitive rental market. Learn how to use 3D virtual tours to showcase your property and attract quality tenants.](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/virtual-walkthroughs-rent-your-property-faster-661) - [Protecting Your Southern Maryland Rental Property: The Importance of Professional ManagementAre you a DIY landlord in Southern Maryland? Protecting your investment is crucial, and it can be a full-time job. \[…\]](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/protecting-your-southern-maryland-rental-property) ## Ask what your home could rent for. Free. A free rental assessment from our offices in Lexington Park and Waldorf. No cost, no contract, no pressure. [Request a free assessment](https://realpmgold.multisites.ai/contact-us#assessment)[(301) 392-2172](tel:+13013922172)