30 Daily Tips for April | Fair Housing Month - STOP AND THINK
- Know the seven Federal protected Classes: race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.
- “Sex” as a protected class includes gender identity and sexual orientation.
- Do not deny anyone the opportunity to apply for housing.
- Do not deny any qualified applicant the opportunity to lease housing suitable to his/her/their needs.
- Do not provide anyone housing that is different from housing provided to others
- Do not steer.
- Do not restrict access to any benefit enjoyed by others, or access to the same level of services others receive.
- Do not deny any the opportunity to participate in a planning or advisory group that is an integral part of the housing program.
- Do not discriminate in advertising.
- Do not discriminate against someone because of that person’s relation to, or association with, another individual.
- Do not retaliate against, threaten or act in any manner to intimidate someone because he/she/they has exercised his/her/their rights under the Fair Housing Act.
- Think before you speak. Assume what you say will be misinterpreted.
- Concentrate your attention on the applicant or resident without interruptions.
- Know the difference between a service animal and a pet.
- Remember to verify the eligibility and not the disability.
- Make sure all your materials include the Fair Housing Logo.
- Don’t forget the TTY number on your printed materials.
- Review your understanding of “reasonable accommodation”.
- Do not use different qualification criteria or rental applications. Do NOT screen tenants on the phone.
- Review your City, County and State Fair Housing Laws (there are additional protected classes).
- Attend Fair Housing Training yearly.
- Review the Fair Housing Laws with your entire Team/Staff…including those who answer phone calls.
- Watch your reactions, body language and tone of voice to avoid being misinterpreted.
- Know your local eviction laws inside and out.
- Triple check your MLS Remarks
- Be mindful of potential fair housing violations based on student housing and source of income.
- Do not falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale or rental.
- When entering a rental listing in the MLS, be sure to read, understand and agree to the “Fair Housing Attestation”.
- Remember if you do it for one, you do it for all.
- Document, Document, Document!