Fair Housing News - The Fair Housing Institute, Inc.

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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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 Future of Fair Housing

2025 is no doubt a time of significant change for our country. The new administration has proposed and already implemented sweeping changes to our federal government that will affect the housing industry (and in reality, just about all industries) in various ways. With new changes being announced almost daily, we’ve been hearing some concerns from

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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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Guest Cards Matter: Simple Steps to Stay Compliant

Documentation is one of the most effective tools for ensuring compliance with fair housing laws. One commonly used but often underestimated tool is the guest card—also known by various names depending on the software or system in use. While guest cards are frequently seen as a sales or customer service tool, they play a crucial

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Fair Fixes: Balancing Maintenance Requests

Did you know? Maintenance teams play a crucial role in ensuring resident satisfaction on your property. However, delays in work orders—whether due to supply chain issues, contractor availability, or aging equipment—can sometimes lead to resident concerns about differential treatment. When residents perceive that their maintenance requests are handled inconsistently compared to their neighbors, fair housing

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