Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 19:16     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
I've used VRBO at least 15 times all over the world with 4 kids at many different stages of their lives, from newborns to tweens with no problem at all.
But sometimes I'll request quotes from 5 rentals and only get 2-3 replies. I never thought it was discrimination just that their place was not available.
Good luck
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 18:04     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:We usually just look for the listings that are flagged as kid-friendly (definitely a VRBO option and I think also on AirBnB). With a one-month-old, though, I probably wouldn't even mention it--I'd just book for two people and be done with it, since you're not even talking about a mobile baby.

The law governing this is federal, though, not state. (States can add additional provisions, but can't change the federal law.) So it is true in every state that a landlord cannot discriminate against families with children [because they are a protected class--not true of families with dogs, for instance] *except* if the home is an owner-occupied multi-family property with four or fewer units. Single-family homes are covered if they are privately owned and a broker/rental agency (e.g., VRBO or AirBnB) is used. Single-family homes are exempt only if no agent is used, they are not owned by a partnership/corporation, and the owner does not own more than three homes.

All that said, not worth the headache of challenging this if someone is in violation, sadly. Just look for the family-friendly listings and save yourself the trouble.


Not to mention that US discrimination laws won't apply outside of the US. We also just looked for the family friendly listings, but with a one month old, I'd just keep doing what you're doing. Put your energy into looking for a place.


Did the OP say this was outside the U.S.? I missed that, if so. But yes, obviously U.S. law does not apply if this is in another country. I just assumed it was in the U.S.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 17:54     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
Owner is probably concerned about liabilities with a crawling/ cruising, not having the place babyproofed. If s/he knew this was an immobile 1-month old, I doubt you'd be turned away.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 16:17     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
Anonymous wrote:We usually just look for the listings that are flagged as kid-friendly (definitely a VRBO option and I think also on AirBnB). With a one-month-old, though, I probably wouldn't even mention it--I'd just book for two people and be done with it, since you're not even talking about a mobile baby.

The law governing this is federal, though, not state. (States can add additional provisions, but can't change the federal law.) So it is true in every state that a landlord cannot discriminate against families with children [because they are a protected class--not true of families with dogs, for instance] *except* if the home is an owner-occupied multi-family property with four or fewer units. Single-family homes are covered if they are privately owned and a broker/rental agency (e.g., VRBO or AirBnB) is used. Single-family homes are exempt only if no agent is used, they are not owned by a partnership/corporation, and the owner does not own more than three homes.

All that said, not worth the headache of challenging this if someone is in violation, sadly. Just look for the family-friendly listings and save yourself the trouble.


Not to mention that US discrimination laws won't apply outside of the US. We also just looked for the family friendly listings, but with a one month old, I'd just keep doing what you're doing. Put your energy into looking for a place.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 15:36     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
I have a rental place in SC AND I have a pack-n-play already down there for guests! Interested?
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 14:39     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
We usually just look for the listings that are flagged as kid-friendly (definitely a VRBO option and I think also on AirBnB). With a one-month-old, though, I probably wouldn't even mention it--I'd just book for two people and be done with it, since you're not even talking about a mobile baby.

The law governing this is federal, though, not state. (States can add additional provisions, but can't change the federal law.) So it is true in every state that a landlord cannot discriminate against families with children [because they are a protected class--not true of families with dogs, for instance] *except* if the home is an owner-occupied multi-family property with four or fewer units. Single-family homes are covered if they are privately owned and a broker/rental agency (e.g., VRBO or AirBnB) is used. Single-family homes are exempt only if no agent is used, they are not owned by a partnership/corporation, and the owner does not own more than three homes.

All that said, not worth the headache of challenging this if someone is in violation, sadly. Just look for the family-friendly listings and save yourself the trouble.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 14:25     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
This is a problem for us as a family that sometimes likes to stay at B&Bs. You patronize the places that welcome children and avoid the other places until you are traveling as a childless couple again in 18 years.
I know people like to "get away" but it seems like a stupid decision business-wise. Eg: In Rehoboth Beach Del. It's almost impossible to find a kid-friendly B&B besides At Melissa's. And once people find out about one they book up fast.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 14:25     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
If they reject your request, take no for an answer and move on. The conflict has already begun, why gives this person your money?
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 14:16     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
You are trying to rent a whole house but you had to email and ask if there was room for a pack and play???
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 13:59     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
Lots of beach & vacation condos / rentals are not baby proofed. If they only own the one rental they likely do not have to comply with the fair housing act. Just find a new place to stay.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 13:58     Subject: Re:Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
Seriously, OP, they don't want a baby in their house. And you are being pretty adamant about it. Given that you are insisting they should rent to you I would definitely NOT want you in my house if this were my house. Just find a place where babies are permitted.

I'm sure this is not the only place in the city you are interested.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 13:57     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
Anonymous wrote:What kind of place is it? Are you really trying to rent a random room in someone's house with a bunch of strangers and your baby?


Trying to rent an entire home. The owner does not live on the premises.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 13:49     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
What kind of place is it? Are you really trying to rent a random room in someone's house with a bunch of strangers and your baby?
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 13:05     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
Anonymous wrote:Do you really want to waste this much energy on this? I just don't get it. there must be other places.


+1000
In the time you've spent writing this and reading these responses, you could have rented another place.
Anonymous
Post 04/25/2014 13:03     Subject: Discrimination on airbnb and VRBO
We lost on VRBO. I discriminate all the time. We don't allow people with cats or dogs. No people under the age of 21 by themselves (avoiding beach week freaks), etc.

This is probably just a landlord who isn't renting out any longer but the listing remains. Or they are come rely flaky. Either way just find another place.