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In its June 2012 lesson, Fair Housing Coach takes a look at a “hot topic” in fair housing circles—the use of criminal background checks in screening prospective residents.

Question: A male resident has reported that your maintenance man has been sexually harassing him. Your community could be liable for sexual harassment if you fail to take appropriate action to investigate and resolve the complaint. True or false?

Answer: True. Federal fair housing law protects both men and women from sex discrimination, including same-sex sexual harassment. Whether motivated by sexual desire or by hostility toward...

The May 2012 Fair Housing Coach explains how to ensure compliance with fair housing laws when providing maintenance and repair services in multifamily housing communities.

In honor of Fair Housing Month, the April 2012 Fair Housing Coach tackles some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about fair housing law in conventional multifamily housing communities. Here are seven of the 17 FAQs from the April issue, available on our homepage:

Last fall, the Justice Department issued new ADA rules that take full effect on March 15, 2012. Among other things, the new rules adopt scoping provisions establishing accessible design standards, including standards on making swimming pools, exercise clubs, and other recreation facilities accessible for individuals with disabilities.

In our March 2012 lesson, Fair Housing Coach explains how to meet the disability-related needs of individuals with mobility impairments under fair housing law. Communities should expect increased demand to meet those requirements with the influx of returning veterans—many with service-related disabilities—as well as the predicted increase in age-related disabilities of baby boomers and their parents.

Question: While screening an applicant, you learn about frequent complaints and calls to police about domestic disturbances involving the resident and her former boyfriend at her prior residence. Because you’re concerned about the safety and welfare of your current residents, you cannot be held liable for denying the application based on her poor rental history. True or false?

In honor of Martin Luther King Day, the January 2012 lesson of Fair Housing Coach focuses on discrimination based on race—the bedrock of fair housing law. For much of the law’s history, the majority of formal fair housing complaints were based on race. Although disability claims now hold the top spot, race discrimination complaints remain a close second—accounting for roughly a third of all formal fair housing complaints.

In its December 2011 lesson, Fair Housing Coach reviews the fair housing implications of a significant problem—hoarding. Reality TV has raised awareness of the issue, but the numbers are staggering—some experts say that up to 5 percent, or 15 million Americans—suffer from this complicated disorder.

In multifamily housing, hoarding may pose serious health and safety concerns, including injury or disease risks, fire hazards, and structural d...

The November issue of Fair Housing Coach reviews fair housing rules as they apply to new media advertising and marketing.