Articles — testers

A Review of Important Fair Housing Cases

Posted by Stephen Marshall on

A Review of Important Fair Housing Cases

In last week’s post, we reviewed some statistics on housing discrimination complaints filed in 2017. One positive note from that review was that landlords are rarely found to have committed acts of housing discrimination. This week, I want to look at some cases across the country that shed light on some important topics in Fair Housing. One of several lessons from this week’s review: while housing discrimination might be rare, it can be very costly for landlords. Here are four cases that illustrate that point and give us lessons to consider: Case #1 - Fair Housing Center of West Michigan...

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You're Going To Get Sued

Posted by Stephen Marshall on

You're Going To Get Sued

Welcome to the rental industry. You are an owner or manager whose income is created by providing one of the most basic human needs: housing. Because it is so fundamental to our existence, housing touches hearts. It creates emotion. It brings out the best and worst. It is also a pawn in the political game that our government plays. As a result, you are going to get sued. The sooner you realize that fact, the better. When you deal with issues that touch people’s hearts and arouses their emotions, lawsuits result. It’s just a fact. Expect it. And realize that...

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Fair Housing Testing: It's Happening Near You, Right Now

Posted by Stephen Marshall on

Fair Housing Testing: It's Happening Near You, Right Now

Those of you subscribe to my newsletter already know this, but there is a new group that is conducting Fair Housing testing on a fairly widespread basis in central Kentucky. Fair Housing Advocates, Inc., is an organization out of Arlington, Texas, who, according to their website, provides advocacy and education related to Fair Housing issues. Here is their website and their Facebook page.  Currently, their testers are calling apartment complexes throughout central Kentucky claiming to be interested in renting an apartment. Their current ruse is to claim to be a disabled person with an Assistance Animal (typically an emotional support...

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The Road to Fair Housing Violations is Paved with Good Intentions

Posted by Stephen Marshall on

The Road to Fair Housing Violations is Paved with Good Intentions

THE ISSUES Kelsey has managed rental property for many years. For the last 10 years, she has been with a small apartment community with 28 units. The property has two buildings, one in the front and one in the back of the property. During Kelsey's early years at the property, she had several residents complain that cars were speeding in the parking lot. Apparently, several of the offenders had nearly hit some children playing near the front building. Kelsey followed up on the complaints and did her best to identify the speeding vehicles, but she could never pin the offense on any...

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