Decorations, Parties & Compliance: Holiday Fair Housing Tips - The Fair Housing Institute, Inc.

Decorations, Parties & Compliance: Holiday Fair Housing Tips

The holidays can be a joyful season, but they also bring unique fair housing challenges for property managers. In this episode of Fair Housing Insiders, Michael Coughlin and attorney Leslie Tucker cover how to handle decorations, community parties, bulletin board postings, and resident-led events without creating compliance risks. Tune in for practical tips on keeping holiday practices fair and reminders on how staff training is always the best safeguard.

Key Takeaways:

00:00 – Introduction: Why the holidays can create fair housing pitfalls

00:46 – Decorations: Seasonal vs. religious displays

01:58 – Christmas trees: Permissible but require balance with other traditions

03:00 – Holiday parties: Keeping events inclusive and inviting for all

03:47 – Resident-led events: Equal access to shared spaces

04:48 – Bulletin boards & flyers: Consistent posting policies

06:38 – Top tips: Neutral décor, inclusive events, consistency, and training

07:54 – Final takeaway: Staff training as the best safeguard