On April 11, 1968, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act was signed into law. The Fair Housing Act continues to pave the way for housing equal opportunity, equal access, and equal enjoyment for anyone who meets a community’s qualifying standards. It is the law. [Read more…]
Terrorism Concerns and Managing Screening Policies
When was the last time you reviewed your screening policies? Prevent illegal discrimination in screening applicants by developing and practicing consistent policies. Terrorism concerns are relevant and need to be addressed in a proactive way and not reactive. Your team needs to be properly trained on Fair Housing compliance and also on how to properly apply any procedures and policies that you may implement. [Read more…]
Fair Housing & Personal Security – What Is Most Important?
Fair Housing Or Personal Security?
An employee’s safety and personal security usually should take precedence over fair housing concerns.
Working in the field of residential real estate can be very rewarding. Whether you’re involved in sales, leasing, or maintenance, you can also face risks. We’ve all heard the frightening stories of on-site employees or real estate agents who have been attacked while doing their jobs. Good personal security practices can greatly reduce the risk of such incidents. But what happens when your personal security practices force you to treat people differently so that you’re concerned about your fair housing compliance? [Read more…]
Stop Faking Service Dogs
Great article found by our good friend Nadeen Green! Please remember-this article does not explain the requirements for either service or emotional support animals in housing. The Fair Housing Act, unlike the ADA, permits either type of assistive animals but permits the housing provider to seek third party professional verification when the need for the animal is not readily apparent. Click HERE for more
Disparate Impact Clarification – A Call To HUD
Disparate Impact Clarification
Keeping up with Fair Housing laws can be a full time job. Laws are added, changed, and tweaked regularly. Recently, the American Bankers Association (ABA) and state bankers associations in all 50 states responded to HUD’s request for suggestions of outdated regulations by calling for clarification of the disparate impact rule. Here is an excerpt from the article in the ABA Banking Journal that recently was published that highlights this disparate impact clarification: [Read more…]
Atlanta Hot Spots – As Told By Locals #NAAEdu17
The National Apartment Association Education Conference for 2017 is almost upon us. Besides work there is always some playtime. We decided to reach out to some of our local multifamily professionals for their thoughts on some of the best places to see and enjoy while you are visiting our city. Welcome to Atlanta everyone! We know you will enjoy your visit! In no particular order, check out what our locals recommend. Do not skip a section! Read on to find some great places to eat and even some information on catching a Braves game while you are in town. [Read more…]
Educate Maintenance Staff About Reasonable Modification Requests
Apartment maintenance staff may receive reasonable modification requests because of their direct contact with residents. Therefore, it’s important that they are educated on how to respond to such requests.
The Fair Housing Institute & NAA 2017 Education Conference
See You At The NAA Education Conference In Atlanta
The Fair Housing Institute team will be attending the National Apartment Association Education Conference in Atlanta on June 21-24 2017. This is the premier event of the year for the apartment industry and THE BIGGEST event for education and collaboration. The Fair Housing Institute will be exhibiting and speaking! [Read more…]
Fair Housing Compliance – What Qualifies As A Senior Living Community?
What qualifies as a senior living community? An increasing number of housing developments appear to be marketing themselves as “Active Adult” or “Empty Nester” communities. How can that be? “Adult Only” housing was outlawed in 1988 when President Ronald Reagan signed the Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) into law.
[Read more…]Answer Your Telephone With Care – Comply With Fair Housing
I Thought You Had A Two Bedroom?
Telephone fair housing training is a key component for the compliance department in multifamily. Apartment rental offices receive many telephone calls each day. Questions such as: Are there available apartments? What is your screening criteria? and many others may be asked on any given day. How an employee answers can cause the caller to have expectations of an apartment community. These expectations may or may not be realized when that person visits or makes application. Any contradictions in information may be assumed to be a result of housing discrimination. For example, one of the most common issues occurs when a tester calls and is told there are available two bedroom apartments. When the tester arrives at the apartment community the next day, he is told there are no available apartments.
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