Complying with Fair Housing Law in a Post-9/11 World

May 6, 2013    
In this month’s lesson, we’re going to discuss how to comply with fair housing rules in post-9/11 America. Though much has changed since Sept. 11, 2001, the recent bombings at this year’s Boston Marathon serve as a reminder that our nation remains vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

Addressing Fair Housing Concerns Involving Mental Disabilities

April 12, 2013    
In this month’s lesson, we’re going to address fair housing concerns when dealing with individuals with mental or emotional disabilities.

The Big Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Fair Housing Law

March 12, 2013    
In honor of Fair Housing Month, this month’s issue takes a break from our usual lesson to test your knowledge of fair housing law. Recent trends suggest an upswing in fair housing enforcement efforts. With funding awarded last year, advocacy groups across the country are in the midst of...

How to Handle Requests for Assistance Animals

February 15, 2013    
This month’s lesson tackles one of the most challenging aspects of fair housing law: how to handle requests for assistance animals as a reasonable accommodation for an individual with a disability.      In general, communities may set their own policies regulating pet...

Deadly Fair Housing Sins: Part II

January 23, 2013    
Emerging Trouble Spots under Fair Housing Law This month, we finish our two-part lesson on deadly fair housing sins, old and new. Last month, Part I of the lesson covered the old—violation of federal fair housing rules that have been on the books for many years, but continue to trigger costly...

Deadly Fair Housing Sins: Old and New

December 19, 2012    
Part I: Recurring Violations of Long-Standing Rules This month, we’re starting a two-part lesson on the deadly sins of fair housing law. Though the deadly sins are historically seven in number, we’ve added a few more to cover the most costly fair housing violations. And we’re...

How Communities Successfully Defend Fair Housing Claims in Court

December 6, 2012    
  In this special issue of the COACH, we look at several court decisions released this year involving fair housing claims. Often, the media reports reflect only bad news: Communities forced to shell out hefty cash payments in damages, penalties, or settlements to resolve allegations of fair...

How to Comply with Fair Housing Law When Dealing with People Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing

November 7, 2012    
Effective communications with prospects, applicants, and residents are an essential aspect of all community operations. It’s especially important in your leasing office where miscommunications can undermine your efforts to attract qualified applicants to fill vacancies. Communication problems...

Be Prepared for Fair Housing Testers

October 4, 2012    
Recent developments signal a renewed emphasis on traditional fair housing testing. Now more than ever, it’s important to do everything you can to ensure your community complies with fair housing law—that way, you’ll be likely to pass any fair housing test.

Going Green: How to Ensure Fair Housing Compliance When Addressing Environmental Concerns

September 5, 2012    
This month, Fair Housing Coach reviews the fair housing implications of how owners and managers handle environmental concerns in the maintenance and upkeep of the community. Rental housing providers are subject to various laws, health and safety codes, and other regulations that require them to...