The holiday season can be a joyous time for communities, but for property management professionals, it also presents unique challenges. Balancing festive cheer with the requirements of fair housing compliance and inclusivity is no small task. Inspections may uncover non-compliance in resident decorations, while staff communication could inadvertently reflect language that alienates or excludes some residents. Addressing these issues promptl ...

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires property managers to provide reasonable accommodations for residents with disabilities to ensure equal access and enjoyment of their homes. However, not all requests are deemed reasonable. Understanding how to navigate accommodation requests that may be considered unreasonable is essential for property managers who want to stay compliant with the law while also effectively managing their property.What Makes an ...

 As the demand for housing continues to rise, property managers face the dual responsibility of maintaining occupancy standards and adhering to fair housing regulations. Occupancy limits are a fundamental tool used to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of residents while safeguarding property integrity. However, enforcing these limits while remaining compliant with fair housing laws can present challenges, particularly when requests ...

 Smoking and housing policies often intersect in ways that raise questions about resident rights and property management responsibilities. One common point of confusion is whether smoking or nicotine addiction qualifies as a disability under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). While marijuana use for medical purposes introduces its own complexities, this article will focus specifically on cigarette smoking and how the FHA applies in these cases.What ...

 In the field of property management, effective communication is not just a courtesy—it's a mandate under fair housing laws. Ensuring that every individual, regardless of hearing ability, has equal access to housing information is not only ethical but also legally required. This commitment to accessibility includes providing reasonable accommodations for the deaf and hard of hearing, a demographic that often faces significant barriers in acc ...

Navigating the legalities of marijuana use within property management is an ongoing challenge as states increasingly adopt diverse regulations. This variance between state and federal laws places property managers in a complex position, tasked with adhering to legal requirements while addressing the needs and rights of residents. This article provides a comprehensive overview for property management professionals to manage these legal complexitie ...

 In the fast-paced world of property management, HUD complaint notices are not just another administrative task. They are a ticking time bomb that can detonate your operations if mishandled. This article exposes three common pitfalls property management professionals encounter when dealing with HUD complaint notices and offers a strategic roadmap to navigate these challenges effectively.1. Misjudging Your Case's SeverityOne of the most commo ...

 A live-in aide request. For properties like senior living communities, this is a regular request, and the procedure is memorized by many of the staff. But are your procedures up to date with the Fair Housing Act? For other properties, these requests aren't all that common and can cause some stress due to lack of experience. What are some of the nuances you should be aware of? Let's break it down.Remember, Disability Is a Protected CategoryW ...

 Are There Resident Bullying/Harassment Best Practices?It's simply a part of any property; your residents aren't always going to agree. This makes conflict inevitable, but the key turning point is when it turns into bullying and harassment. To be clear, the Fair Housing Act states that resident bullying and harassment cannot be tolerated. Are you sure that your property, as a whole, has the best practices in place when it comes to resident b ...

 Navigating the complexities of accommodation requests under the Fair Housing Act is essential for creating inclusive and equitable living spaces. When these requests conflict, as in the case of competing accommodation needs among residents, the challenge for those overseeing housing policies and compliance intensifies. This article offers insights and strategies for effectively managing such situations, ensuring that all decisions are made ...

 As a property management professional, it's vital to strike a balance between maintaining a safe, orderly community and ensuring compliance with fair housing laws, especially concerning rules that might impact children. This article provides valuable insights into navigating these complex issues.Supervision Rules and Technology AccessWhen formulating supervision rules for facilities like pools or gyms, consider factors beyond just age, such ...

 As we approach the new year, it is crucial for professionals in the property management industry to recognize the vital importance of fair housing education. A well-rounded understanding of fair housing laws and practices is not just a best practice but a fundamental aspect of professional development that can significantly impact the success and integrity of your business.Understanding the Essence of Fair Housing TrainingFair housing educa ...

 In the realm of property management, the scope of fair housing laws extends to holidays and the adornments associated with them. Ensuring adherence to these laws is paramount, and decisions should be grounded in the principles of fair housing rather than personal judgment. Property management professionals often encounter holiday-related items that may be perceived as offensive or insensitive by some, yet do not contravene fair housing laws ...

 The landscape of fair housing has been continuously evolving. One of the emerging focal points is the protection against discrimination based on the "Source of Income." While not federally recognized under the Fair Housing Act, this classification has steadily gained traction at state and local levels, expanding the purview of housing rights.Defining "Source of Income"In the realm of housing discrimination, the "Source of Income" pertains t ...

Familial status is a critical protected category under the Fair Housing Act, established to ensure equal housing opportunities for families with children and pregnant women. This article delves into the history behind its inclusion, the exceptions where it may not apply, and the most common "accidental" violations property owners and staff should be aware of to maintain compliance with fair housing laws.The Inclusion of Familial Status as a Prote ...