Final answer:
Requiring proof of income and a credit check is typically legal for apartment rentals, similar to practices in the financial market to assess borrower reliability. Such measures are legal as long as they are not discriminatory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The requirement of proof of income and a credit check by an apartment complex owner before renting to a person is generally considered legal. Similar to financial institutions in the capital market that necessitate prospective borrowers to provide income sources and undergo a credit check, a landlord has the right to ensure that potential tenants have the ability to pay rent and have a history of financial responsibility. This helps in mitigating the risk of rent defaults and ensures that the landlord is leasing the property to reliable tenants.
However, it is important to note that while these requirements are legal, they must be applied consistently and without discrimination to all potential renters. Any selection process that discriminates on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability would be illegal under the Fair Housing Act in the United States.