Am I wrong for judging books by their covers?

[capriVib]

My family has an empty apartment in the city center, and instead of handing it over to an agent, I decided to manage the rental myself. My only rule was "families or students only." I’m paranoid about this because years ago, my grandfather rented a place to people who ended up turning it into a literal brothel. The neighbors made our lives hell, and because tenant laws are crazy here, we couldn't evict them for months. It was a nightmare, so I promised myself I wouldn't let history repeat itself.

After filtering out about 15 single bachelors, a woman called saying she was a "family." When they showed up for the viewing, it was two women, a guy in his 50s, and a kid. The moment they saw me, they started smirking and giggling among themselves. I could practically hear them thinking, "Look at this kid, we can easily trick him."

That wasn't the only red flag. The main woman was the full "plastic" package: silicone boobs, visible tattoos, fake colored contact lenses, and bleached hair. Her friend had the exact same vibe. They claimed to be a family, but my gut feeling screamed that something was off. It just didn't match the "family" image in my head. I acted cold and didn't even try to negotiate. I told them the rent was 10k (which is high). Surprisingly, she agreed instantly and wanted to sign the contract right there. That desperation scared me off, so I ghosted them and never called back.
Later, an immigrant guy my age came to see the place with his divorced mother. Total opposite vibe. They were dressed modestly, and the guy works in construction. He looked tired but honest. I even called his previous landlord and got a solid reference. I ended up giving the house to him for 8k—2k less than what I asked the other group and I didn't even ask for a deposit. I just felt like they were decent people who wouldn't cause drama for the neighbors. Do you think I did the right thing trusting my gut, or was I just being prejudiced against the first group's appearance?

[HawkPerception]

No. You're not wrong to judge books by their covers. We all do it. Some people just choose to deny it. They're delusional. It's literally human nature to be judgmental. It's the reason we don't approach lions in the wild. It's the reason we find dogs cute. It's the reason we find some people attractive while we find some people unattractive. It's the reason we assume some people are intelligent and others not.

A hillbilly doesn't look as intelligent as a guy dressed in a suit and tie wearing glasses. Not saying that a hillbilly can't dress in a suit and tie and wear glasses, but it's likely they have different professions that require a very different set of skills.

A girl who dresses like a tomboy is likely much more masculine than a girl who wears dresses often. A girl who dresses provocatively is likely more promiscuous and likes a certain kind of attention than a girl who dresses conservatively.

I can go on and on about examples, but stereotypes exist for a reason. It's just pattern recognition. Stereotypes are literally based on observations of the majority.

Would you be prejudice if you don't choose a tenant that looks like a crack addict? Yes. But rightfully so. Own it.

[Iron_Man]

You have to do a background check then you’ll know what you’re getting

[capriVib]

Yeah, I admit I might have made a mistake there. I could have just asked for their previous landlord's number or checked their credit score.

[Iron_Man]

Yes, that’s the best way to handle things especially when you’re running an apartment building. They even saiy to do that with roommates.

[Iron_Man]

Thanks for most helpful award

[beenherebefore]

100% did the right thing. If people are giving you a bad vibe refuse them. At the end of the day if anything happens is going to be your responsibility and as you mentioned your family already been through something similar. Be extremely strict to whom you rent your place. Your property your rules. Period.

[Nikki1989]

Yes, very wrong. That is just another huge problem with this world we live in.

[Apulu_backagain]

You didn't only judge the cover, you checked the vibe and she said about fooling you, that was a clear clear red flag. Judging the book by the cover here would have been to deny her the first time she reached you because of all the tattoos and stuff she got done.

You did the right thing trusting your gut. Even the conventionally open minded family feel like a family, nothing off.

[Anonymous]

Why did you have to post that disgusting picture to talk about doing security checks for apartment rentals?

[capriVib]

Bc the woman who wanted to rent the house looked like this. 😂

[Opinion Owner]

No she posted that same photo of herself somewhere else on here.

[capriVib]

I chose randomly; I didn't pick anyone in particular. Doesn't know who she is

I think there's a new rule for gag

[Opinion Owner]

I apologize, it was my misunderstanding, I thought you were the girl in the picture.