To make sure that everyone has the right to a secure and inviting home, fair housing laws aim to support equality and prevent discrimination in housing. Anyway, it can be hard for rental property managers and owners to understand and follow these rules all the time. Even though the goal of fair housing laws is clear, putting them into action can be a little harder.
Understanding fair housing laws and how they apply to you is vital to keeping your rental properties compliant. Stay tuned to find out the basics of fair housing laws, common problems with compliance, and the best ways for rental property owners and managers.
Understanding Fair Housing Laws
Know that different federal, state, and local laws may apply to your rental property based on where it is located. This is the first step in understanding fair housing laws.
The Fair Housing Act of 1968 is the law that most people think of when they hear the phrase “fair housing“. At the national level, this law prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and family history. The law covers buying, renting, and financing homes, and its goal is to guarantee equal access in all housing-related transactions.
This law is upheld by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which looks into protests to uphold fair housing standards across the U.S. Not only does the Fair Housing Act reinforce and uphold the values of fair housing, but so do other federal housing laws. These rules jointly contribute to a more equitable housing landscape across the nation.
In addition to federal regulations, a number of state and local laws also protect renters. These laws cover things like eviction rights, security deposit limits, and discrimination based on income source, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Certain communities have rent control or stabilization laws to prevent excessive rent increases, ensuring the availability of housing in high-demand areas. Local tenant rights may also involve protections against eviction during severe circumstances, admission to habitability standards, and necessities like honest interaction between landlords and tenants. You can find more information about housing laws in your state online.
Common Compliance Challenges for Property Owners
Learning common scenarios that may result in housing law violations and how to stay out of them are equally important as knowing the laws. For instance, some common challenges rental property owners and landlords face when trying to stay in the line with fair housing laws are caused by unconscious bias or using antiquated methods.
Some property managers and owners have trouble with tenant screening because federal law says you can’t refuse to rent to someone because they have a disability, are too old, or are a family member. Making up your mind ahead of time that you will only rent to adults without kids or that you will not rent to people in their 20s are both examples of housing discrimination.
When marketing the property, property owners and managers might want to look for a certain kind of tenant, which can cause a similar problem. Also, most state and federal housing laws don’t allow these practices. You can better ensure fair and equitable treatment of all prospective residents by being aware of these problems and adjusting your screening and marketing methods.
Best Practices for Ensuring Compliance
There are important steps to make sure that your property management strategies are in keeping with fair housing laws, such as formulating and sticking to a standardized application process and setting standards for tenant screenings. This is the best way to prevent discrimination that isn’t intended. Other best practices to ensure compliance include:
- Using inclusive language in rental advertisements is another best practice to make sure you’re following the rules.
- Be consistent with each applicant by giving them the same information, following the same procedures, and carrying out the same follow-up actions for each applicant.
- Ensure that your lease terms, rules, and policies are equally fair to all tenants.
- Remain aware of reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities and respond to such requests promptly and appropriately.
- Keep detailed records of all applications, interactions, and choices, noting your explanations for approvals and denials in case of future disputes or inquiries.
- When creating policies or dealing with tricky cases, speak with an attorney or legal expert.
To keep things consistent, it’s a good idea to make and follow a written non-discrimination policy that explains your commitment to Fair Housing compliance.
Property Management Companies in Fair Housing Compliance
All relevant local, state, and federal regulations should be comprehended by experienced property managers. They also have protocols in place to make sure that your interactions with tenants, background checks, paperwork, and other tasks comply with these regulations since they are trained professionals. This can give you peace of mind and help reduce the risk of discrimination claims altogether.
Building a Fair Housing Culture
Since there is a lot at stake in an investment property, it’s critical to be aware of laws governing rental properties, housing, and other related topics. This will help you stay out of trouble with the law. By learning about and following fair housing laws, property owners may add to the equitable treatment of all tenants.
Working with an experienced property management company like Real Property Management All Connect can help you understand the complicated fair housing rules in Cedar Park and the surrounding areas. Contact us or call 512-806-0606 right now to learn more about how to make sure you’re following the law when it comes to housing and other quality management services.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
