I just arrived in the Eastern U.S. this year to begin my studies, and I have encountered a very tricky dispute regarding my rental situation.
To make a long story short, I originally intended to let a person—let's call him "A"—stay in my apartment for a short-term rental by adding his name to my lease (since my landlord does not permit subletting).
However, I later realized that proceeding in this manner would place me in an extremely disadvantageous position: I would have no legally binding agreement with him to compel him to pay rent on time, nor any way to enforce the duration of his stay (we have already renewed our lease and intend to continue living here next year); our arrangement was based solely on a verbal agreement.
Consequently, I decided not to move forward with the plan. Upon learning of this, A threatened to accuse me of rental discrimination (he is a recipient of government housing subsidies); he stated that he intends to sue me over the matter.
I am currently terrified. I have no intention of offending anyone. This is my first year studying here, and I am not very familiar with the local rental culture and regulations. I would like to ask the community:
In the United States, is an accusation of rental discrimination considered a very serious charge?
Even though I never signed any formal agreement with him, and have not rented the property to anyone else in any form, could my actions still be construed as discrimination?
I am hoping to receive some advice here, as I am currently unsure of the best way to communicate with A moving forward.