March 2014 Coach's Quiz

We’ve highlighted the top 10 things that you should know to prevent discrimination claims. Now let’s look at how the rules might apply in the real world. Take the COACH’s Quiz to see what you’ve learned.

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the following questions has only one correct answer. On a separate piece of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you think is correct—for example, (1) b, (2) a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

You know that it’s unlawful to refuse to rent to people from other countries, but you could also face a fair housing complaint for refusing to rent to applicants who can’t speak English. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False. 

QUESTION #2

You’ve been shorthanded for a while, but you’ve just hired a new employee to answer phones in the leasing office. Even though she’s got previous experience working at another community, you should make sure that she learns the basics about fair housing before allowing her to answer the phones. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #3

You’ve received a number of complaints about noisy children playing outside. Although you have a legitimate reason to curb their behavior, you could face a fair housing complaint if you adopted a policy requiring adult supervision for all outdoor activities for children under 12. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #4

Your community has a no-pets policy, but an applicant says she’s disabled and needs her cat as an assistance animal. She doesn’t look like she has a disability, so you should stick to the rules and deny her request. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

COACH’S ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS

QUESTION #1

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rules #1 & #2 apply here.

Rule #1: It’s Illegal to Exclude Anyone Based on a Protected Characteristic

Rule #2: Subtle Discrimination Is Just as Bad

Your community could face a fair housing claim for discrimination based on national origin if you refuse to rent to applicants who don’t speak English. Discrimination based on national origin means treating people differently because of their ancestry, ethnicity, birthplace, culture, or language.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rules #4, #5, & #6 apply here.

     Rule #4: Watch Your Words

     Rule #5: Keep Personal Opinions to Yourself

     Rule #6: You Can Be ‘Too Helpful’

Despite her previous work experience, you shouldn’t let the new employee answer the phones without at least some training in how your community complies with fair housing law. In fact, it’s a good idea to include fair housing basics as part of the orientation process for all employees, regardless of where they work in your community.

QUESTION #3

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rule #7 applies here.

Rule #7: Don’t Pick on Anybody—Especially the Kids

You can take steps to address the noise complaints, but adopting and enforcing policies that target children could trigger a claim of discrimination based on familial status if the rules unreasonably interfere with the ability of families with children to live in the community.

QUESTION #4

Correct answer: b

Reason: Rules #8, #9, & #10 apply here.

     Rule #8: Don’t Be Too Quick to Say ‘No’

     Rule #9: Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

     Rule #10: Stay on Top of Paperwork

Applying standard rules and procedures is important, but you may have to make an exception as a reasonable accommodation if necessary to allow an individual with a disability to use and enjoy use of the home. Don’t be too hasty to deny the request just because the applicant doesn’t have an obvious disability. Follow the rules to verify that she has a disability-related need for an exception to your pet policy and keep good records to show that you acted properly in handling her request. And since disputes over assistance animals often lead to fair housing complaints, don’t be afraid to get legal help if you need it.