Fair Housing Insiders Archives - The Fair Housing Institute, Inc.

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 & 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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Fair Housing and Citizenship - Can You Deny An Applicant?

Fair Housing & Citizenship: Can You Deny an Applicant?

Understanding how citizenship and immigration status relate to fair housing compliance can be a complex issue—especially in today’s environment. But one thing is clear: the Fair Housing Act protects every person in the United States, regardless of whether they are a citizen. So what does that mean for housing providers and property managers? Fair Housing

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The Mold Mistake That Could Cost Property Mangers Big

The Mold Mistake That Could Cost Property Managers Big

For property managers, mold is more than just a maintenance issue—it can quickly evolve into a serious fair housing matter that could cost them big. Understanding how to recognize and respond to mold-related complaints is crucial to staying in compliance with the Fair Housing Act and protecting both your residents and your business. In a

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Unleashing Fair Housing: ESAs, Leash Laws, and Unreasonable Accommodations

In the world of property management, one of the most frequent and often misunderstood topics is the regulation of emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals within housing communities. Many property managers and residents alike grapple with questions about leash laws, community policies, and state laws that may seem to conflict with fair housing regulations.

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Reasonable Accommodations: When Should You Ask for Verification?

Fair housing compliance is a critical aspect of property management, particularly when it comes to reasonable accommodations for residents with disabilities. Housing providers must navigate requests with sensitivity while ensuring they meet legal requirements. A key consideration is determining when to ask for verification, when modifications should be made proactively, and how to approach eviction

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How To Handle Appeals When an Applicant Is Denied

Handling appeals related to housing application denials due to criminal history screening is a nuanced responsibility for property managers. These cases require balancing compliance with fair housing laws, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community, and providing fair and equitable treatment to applicants. By understanding the key considerations and implementing best practices, property management

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