We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
Claims for sexual harassment, which is considered a form of housing discrimination based on sex, can cost thousands—if not millions—in settlements or court awards, civil penalties, and attorney’s fees—not to mention lasting damage to the reputation of the community, management, and individuals involved.
In the July lesson, Fair Housing Coach discusses a subject that you may be losing sleep over but don’t talk about: fear of a fair housing complaint. Perhaps you’ve been confronted by—or heard about— unhappy residents or applicants who threatened discrimination claims. Or maybe you’ve heard news about the potentially devastating consequences faced by another community embroiled in fair housing litigation. Whatever the circumstances,...
Earlier this month, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley signed legislation expanding civil rights protections for transgender individuals. Joined by leaders of the Maryland House and Senate, O’Malley signed the Fairness for All Marylanders Act of 2014, which bans discrimination based on gender identity in public accommodations, employment, and housing.
The June issue of Fair Housing Coach tackles some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about fair housing rules based on disability, the most common source of discrimination complaints and lawsuits faced by multifamily housing communities today. Here are a few of the 17 FAQs from the June issue:
Q: How Does Fair Housing Law Protect Individuals with a Disability?
Each April, the nation recognizes Fair Housing Month to mark the passage of the 1968 Fair Housing Act, the landmark federal law that bans housing discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and family status. Earlier this month, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan launched this year's commemoration of Fair Housing Month at an event featuring the new film "A Matter of Place," which documen...
Q:A few years ago, a resident filed a disability discrimination complaint in a dispute about assigned parking, but you settled the case by assigning her a parking space as a reasonable accommodation. Over the past six months, she paid her rent late or made only partial payments, and then stopped paying at all. She’s ignored your repeated warnings, but you can’t evict her because she’s disabled. Tru...
Q: A woman applies for a one-bedroom unit for herself and her baby. During the screening process, you learn that she’s currently staying with family members after moving out of her previous rental unit because of domestic abuse by her former boyfriend. She says that she’s now got a protective order against him, but you’re worried that he may show up and cause problems at your community.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently announced changes to its mandatory ethical code to prohibit discrimination based on gender identity. The organization had previously added sexual harassment to its mandatory ethical standards in 2011.
Q: If you say “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays” to prospects or residents this time of year, then you could be accused of—and a court could find you liable for—religious discrimination under fair housing law. True or false?
RSS