A vegan landlord has announced that future tenants will be prohibited from cooking meat in their rented properties.
In a unique rental situation, a vegan landlord in Brooklyn has decided to ban tenants from cooking meat in their apartments.
This decision has sparked conversations about renters’ rights and the choices of landlords.
The apartment listing features units in Fort Greene.
The landlord’s apartment listing features two sunny units in Fort Greene, a desirable neighborhood in Brooklyn.
The monthly rent for these apartments ranges from $4,500 to $5,750.
While they offer attractive amenities, there is an unusual rule that potential tenants must follow.
They cannot cook meat or fish in their homes.
The ban aims to prevent cooking meat odors.
Andrea Kelly, a broker managing the listings, explained that the landlord lives in the building.
The landlord wants to avoid the smell of cooking meat wafting upstairs.
“It’s not vegetarian-only, but the owner lives in the building and doesn’t want the smell of cooking meat drifting upstairs,” she said, as per the outlet.
While ordering takeout is allowed, preparing a meal with meat at home is not.
This decision may seem strict, but it is rooted in the landlord’s personal beliefs as a vegan.
Landlords can legally impose dietary restrictions on tenants.
According to Lucas A. Ferrara, an adjunct professor at New York Law School, it is legal for landlords to impose such restrictions.
However, tenants could potentially challenge this rule if they have a medical condition that necessitates eating meat.
Ferrara noted that without such exceptions, the ban would be permissible under current laws.
Previous similar cases
This isn’t the first time a landlord has set strict dietary rules.
In 2019, a rental ad in Melbourne sought vegan tenants only.
The ad stated that no other food or beverages were allowed in the house.
This led to criticism from a mother who felt discriminated against simply for enjoying meat.
She argued that all families should have the opportunity to rent, regardless of their dietary choices.
“House is only for vegan family and no other food or beverages allowed in the house,” the Gumtree ad for the Frankston rental read.
Despite the backlash, some people defend the landlord’s decision.
Vegan psychologist Claire Mann stated that veganism is a lifestyle choice that extends to all areas of life, including living spaces.
She emphasized that allowing tenants to cook meat would contradict the landlord’s values.
Mann believes that personal beliefs should be respected, especially in one’s own home.
Social media reactions
Don’t rent such houses… that’s it .. it is owners choice.. we cannot complain, one user said.
Banned from cooking meat? I would cook steak and ribs ALL DAY! The second user commented.
I’m a vegan veganista from veganville, I’m a landlord and I find his attitude stupid, the third user wrote.
I’d cook bacon all the time you can’t dictate what people eat, another user said.