Fair Housing Institute, Author at The Fair Housing Institute, Inc.

The Fair Housing Guide Part 1: Employee Expectations Explained

Fair housing compliance is often seen as a top-down responsibility, driven by policies and leadership decisions. While that’s true, the real test of compliance happens at the ground level, through the daily actions of your employees. From leasing professionals and maintenance teams to customer service staff, every employee carries a responsibility to uphold fair housing […]

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Is Your Website Turning Renters Away? Website Accessibility in Property Management

When people think of accessibility, they often picture ramps, elevators, or wider doorways, but did you know that website accessibility is just as important? Your website is often the first point of contact for prospective residents, and if it isn’t inclusive, you may unintentionally be closing the door on individuals with disabilities. For property managers

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ESA Letters and Sting Operations: Exposing Online Fraud

Emotional support animal (ESA) accommodation requests are one of the most common—and most misunderstood—issues housing providers face today. As these requests continue to increase across the country, so do concerns about fraud, particularly involving online ESA letters. We sat down with Logan Miller, co-founder of Our Pet Policy, to break down the growing problem of

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VAWA Certifications What Can Landlords Request

VAWA Certification: What Can Landlords Legally Request?

Navigating the requirements of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a necessary but often complicated responsibility for housing providers. One of the most frequently misunderstood aspects is the documentation process—what you can legally request from residents and how to ensure your practices are compliant. What Type of Documentation Is Allowed? A common question in

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The team at the Fair Housing Institute comes together to discuss the changes at HUS and the future of fair housing.

Navigating Fair Housing During Federal Cuts: Essential Guide for Property Management

In today’s climate of political and economic uncertainty, many property management professionals are asking important questions about the future of fair housing. With changes occurring at the federal level—particularly within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and its enforcement arm, the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO)—it’s understandable that confusion

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Michael and Leslie discuss what to do when a resident discriminates against a member of staff.

Maintenance Staff Discrimination by Residents? Know Your Fair Housing Duties

Fair housing discussions typically center around protecting residents from discrimination. But what happens when the roles are reversed—when a resident discriminates against an employee? This often-overlooked issue can have serious implications for property managers and owners, especially when frontline staff like maintenance technicians are involved. Understanding Employee Rights in Housing Environments While the Fair Housing

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Fair Housing and Senior Housing: What’s Allowed?

Senior housing presents a unique opportunity in the property management industry, but it also comes with equally unique legal responsibilities regarding fair housing. While marketing and managing senior communities may seem straightforward, the Fair Housing Act sets very specific requirements for properties that wish to qualify as “housing for older persons.” One area that often

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Fair Housing and Resident Decorations: Know the Limits

What might seem like a simple resident request—displaying a flag or holiday decoration—can quickly turn into a fair housing concern if not handled properly. In multifamily housing, community standards must be enforced with fairness and consistency, especially when it comes to personal displays on doors, patios, or windows. Whether it’s a national flag, a team

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Fair Housing & Families: Avoiding Legal Trouble with Kids

Children are often at the center of property management challenges, particularly when they are unsupervised or disruptive in shared spaces. While it may be tempting to create or enforce strict rules aimed at resolving these issues quickly, housing providers must be careful. Under the Fair Housing Act, familial status is a protected category. This means

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Fair Housing and Allergies: Do I Have to Permit Cats?

In the world of property management, balancing resident needs while remaining compliant with fair housing laws can get complicated—especially when emotional support animals (ESAs) and allergies intersect. So, do you have to permit cats if another resident has allergies? Setting Pet Policies: What’s Within a Housing Provider’s Control? Property managers generally have wide latitude in

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