A recent internal memo from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has sent shockwaves through the housing industry, raising serious questions about the future of Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in Fair Housing compliance and accommodation requests. We have broken down this major policy shift and the potential ripple effects that housing providers need […]
When a resident submits a disability accommodation request that seems impossible to fulfill, the natural reaction might be to deny it outright—or worse, ignore it. However, in the world of fair housing, these reactions are significant compliance risks. The “interactive process” is not just a best practice; it is a legal requirement designed to bridge
Mastering the Interactive Process: A Fair Housing Compliance Guide for Property Managers Read More »
Peak leasing season, typically spanning from May through August, represents a period of extreme urgency and high volume for property management professionals. This rush, unfortunately, also correlates with a significant spike in potential fair housing claims. The primary cause? When chaos reigns, adherence to documented policies often suffers. This episode dives deep into the crucial
Avoiding Fair Housing Violations During Peak Leasing Season Read More »
The summer season, with its packed pools and busy clubhouses, brings a unique and often costly compliance challenge for property managers: familial status discrimination. This issue consistently ranks among the top three fair housing complaints filed annually, and enforcement actions for amenity-related violations can result in settlements from $25,000 to over $100,000. To shield properties
The assumption that the Fair Housing Act (FHA) is exclusively a concern for rental properties is a dangerous misconception that exposes Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and property managers to significant legal liability. The fundamental legal truth is that the FHA applies to virtually all housing providers, including most HOAs and community associations. Failure to scrutinize the
The Fair Housing Act Applies to HOAs: What Property Managers Must Know Read More »
The Fair Housing Act (FHA) of 1968 is one of the most foundational civil rights laws in the United States, enacted to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal access to housing opportunities for every person. Passed in the wake of significant social upheaval, the FHA initially prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national
The Fair Housing Act: From 1968 Landmark to Modern Compliance Challenges Read More »
Hoarding disorder is more than just clutter—it’s a recognized mental impairment affecting an estimated 2-6% of the population, or roughly 15 to 16 million adults in the United States. For property owners and managers, this common issue is guaranteed to become a complex fair housing challenge. When an overflowing apartment presents fire hazards and sanitation
Hoarding and Fair Housing: The Property Manager’s Compliance Guide Read More »
Starting a new role as a property manager is exciting—and overwhelming. While you focus on leases, maintenance, and resident relations, one area demands your immediate and rigorous attention: Fair Housing compliance. The stakes are high. Good intentions are not enough. Being well-intentioned but not well-trained is hazardous for both the manager and the property’s bottom
Fair Housing’s 3 Non-Negotiables: A Property Manager’s Essential Survival Guide Read More »
Employee harassment of residents represents one of the most serious legal exposures a housing provider can face. It strikes at the core of the landlord-tenant relationship, threatening a resident’s safety and security in their own home. For property management companies and housing providers, understanding the gravity of this issue and implementing robust prevention and response
Preventing Staff Harassment in Property Management Read More »
Harassment between residents is one of the most challenging and critical issues property managers must navigate. While neighbor disputes are common in multifamily housing, there is a fine, essential line that, once crossed, transforms a routine conflict into an illegal Fair Housing Act (FHA) violation—and transfers the liability to the housing provider. This article, based
