In the world of property management, making the right decisions can sometimes feel like a delicate balancing act. Especially when it comes to fair housing laws, which require a combination of knowledge, emotional control, and a strong focus on compliance. However, it’s crucial to remember that fair housing decisions must always be approached from a business perspective, not a personal one. Let’s explore this topic in this article, Fair Housing – Business or Personal?
Let’s consider an example that many in the industry might relate to. A manager, frustrated by the increasing number of emotional support animal requests at their “no-pet” property, denied a resident’s request for a second emotional support dog despite potentially having all the necessary verification. The decision wasn’t based on compliance but rather on the manager’s personal frustration with the situation. This emotional response could open the door to a fair housing complaint and put the property at legal risk.
The Risk of Personal Reactions
When managing ESA requests, or any request for that matter, it’s essential to remember that emotions and personal opinions cannot influence decisions. As frustrating as some requests may be, reacting based on frustration can lead to significant consequences. Denying a request simply because you’re tired of dealing with them is a sure way to invite an investigation.
Fair housing laws require that each request be evaluated based on facts and documentation, not on personal feelings or assumptions about the resident’s needs. Property management professionals must keep the bigger picture in mind—protecting their community and their business through compliance, not emotional decision-making.
Business, Not Personal: Why Fair Housing Decisions Are Essential for Compliance
Fair housing decisions must always be rooted in compliance and a clear understanding of the laws. While it’s easy to get caught up in the frustrations of managing a property and the challenges that come with ESA requests, taking a step back to ensure that every decision is based on a solid understanding of fair housing regulations is critical.
Think of it this way: in many industries, tasks like dealing with insurance claims or managing major repairs may not be enjoyable, but they are necessary for the business to run smoothly. The same approach should be applied to fair housing compliance. It’s an integral part of your operations, just like maintenance, accounting, or marketing. Once fair housing is embedded into the daily workflow, it becomes less of an emotional burden and more of a routine business task.
Can You Change the Laws? The Reality of Fair Housing Compliance
Property managers might feel that fair housing regulations are challenging or even unfair, but it’s important to understand that these laws are in place to ensure equal housing opportunities for all. Trying to bend or protest these regulations on a personal level is not only futile but also risky. The truth is, at the property management level, there is little that can be done to change the law. The best approach is to comply with the law and focus on the long-term benefits for your business.
For those passionate about advocating for changes in fair housing laws, options like voting, running for office, or joining lobbying groups may provide a path to influence policy. However, at the day-to-day operational level, compliance is non-negotiable, and decisions must reflect that understanding.
Curbing Emotional Responses: Tips for Property Management Professionals
To avoid emotional decision-making in fair housing matters, property management professionals can take proactive steps. The key is to make fair housing compliance part of the property’s everyday operations. Here are some actionable tips:
- 1. Regular Training: Ensure that your entire team is trained regularly on fair housing laws. The more familiar everyone is with the regulations, the less intimidating and burdensome they will feel.
- 2. Practice Compliance Daily: Integrate fair housing best practices into your property’s routine operations. The more you deal with fair housing compliance on a daily basis, the less it will trigger emotional responses when issues arise.
- 3. Standardize Procedures: Have clear, written procedures for handling requests. This can remove much of the guesswork and emotional stress from the process.
- 4. Focus on the Bigger Picture: Remember that complying with fair housing laws is not just about avoiding lawsuits. It’s about fostering a community where all residents are treated fairly and with respect, which benefits your property’s reputation and success.
Conclusion: Fair Housing Buisness or Personal?
In the property management industry, fair housing compliance is not just a legal requirement—it’s a vital part of running a successful business. While handling emotional support animal requests and other fair housing issues may be frustrating at times, it’s crucial to keep emotions in check and make decisions based on the facts and the law.
By making fair housing compliance a routine part of your business operations and avoiding emotional reactions, you’ll not only protect your property from legal risk but also build a stronger, more inclusive community.
Happy Training!
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