Many studies have shown that having access to housing is essential to the community. Housing stability aids in ensuring residents' long-term success. This situation happens by decreasing crime and boosting property values. The situation appears straightforward, but this has not always been the case. For many years, landlords, brokers, insurers, and lenders had complete discretion. They were responsible for to who they rented, sold, or lent their money. Unfortunately, many feel excluded from these practices, like people of color, single women and moms, and people with disabilities. In general the fair housing act is in place to protect any who find themselves in a minority category.
What is the Fair Housing Act?
These discriminatory practices went away because of the Fair Housing Act. The Act also follows the name Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. The Fair Housing Act's primary goal is to guarantee equal rights to every American who wants to rent or buy a home. It ensures that no one will feel discriminated against when renting or buying a property. It is more evident when they become discriminated against based on membership in a class. Federal law, the Fair Housing Act, prohibits housing discrimination. This law covers mortgage lending, housing subsidy applications, and other housing-related activities. The Department of Justice sues those found to be in violation. The Act received motivation because there was still widespread racial housing discrimination today. These discriminatory practices come about when false information about housing availability spreads. It also occurs when agents refer potential buyers to specific areas based on race.
Fair Housing Liabilities
When agents do not observe fair housing policies and procedures, they become ineffective. Under federal fair housing laws, the discriminator is liable in the event of a complaint. And the discriminator's employers and supervisors may also be accountable. This case happens even if they were not aware of the discriminatory behavior. If a discrimination claim occurs, the property owner is also held liable. A property manager is thus responsible for the actions of their employees. These involve the site manager, leasing agents, maintenance workers, and suppliers. As mentioned, it is pretty much everyone who comes into contact with residents.
Employees in management may not know they are harassing residents in various ways. If they lack awareness training, it makes ignorance a liability. Learn what to watch out for, for yourself and the entire team. Doing enough preparation would help prevent unintentional breaking of fair housing laws. For fair housing violations, each owner and employee is liable. And they can each become charged, sued, and punished. The best way to stay out of court and avoid fines is to educate people about the laws.
Leasing and Renting Practices
The most frequent charge against fair housing is discrimination based on unequal treatment. This occasion happens when agents reject prospective tenants. Many reasons become problematic, like rejection because they belong to a protected class. The leasing office serves as the public face of many properties. Thus, they are more particularly susceptible to discrimination. The majority of complaints relate to an interaction with a leasing representative. These also often occur in the leasing offices. So, developing a thorough understanding of fair housing laws is vital. It prevents putting your company at risk. Hence, all leasing professionals in property management must attend fair housing seminars.
These practices are vital because most discriminatory practices result from ignorant leasing agents. The first condition is that each potential resident must receive equal treatment. They must also complete the same paperwork based on an impartial standard. According to complaints, management companies have come under fire for bias. For example, they would offer a brochure to one prospect but not another. So, bias must not exist for contact with prospects via phone, online, and in-person visits. Set up written procedures to a property and adhere to them to ensure consistency.
Business Operation Considerations
Any employee or agent of a real estate management company can become a discriminator. These include vendors who provide landscaping and waste collection. No one is an exception to discrimination against residents and potential tenants. This group also includes maintenance engineers. They are among the property staff who are most susceptible to fair housing issues. Take into account the fact that they often interact with residents in homes. Homes are usual places where misunderstandings and poor communication can occur. Once inside an apartment, the personnel must understand that they are in a home.
Problems are avoidable by being courteous to and respectful of residents. Additionally, they should be aware that they should take precautions for their safety. They must also report any improper behavior by residents to the property management. Vendors who come on-site should know the property's nondiscrimination policies. After all, they are always present and in contact to offer goods and services. Property managers can also ask to sign a nondiscrimination statement. It could be a piece of an employment condition to cover themselves. The actions of the vendor's employees while working can become unpredictable.
Final Thoughts
The history of civil rights and court decisions in the United States is extensive. Many measures today help stop discrimination against classes of protected people. But, of course, it also goes beyond the law. Whether you work in real estate or any other industry does not matter. It is only common sense to treat all customers with the same respect, honesty, and fair dealings. You have legal and fiduciary obligations to your clients as a professional. Everyone has an equal right to property ownership as the Act guarantees. The people must also have the freedom to choose their place of residency. Because by doing this, we create stronger communities. The world prospers on inclusion and respect.
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