|
Landlord Quick Tip
 ShareThis
Tip #62: House Rules
 Fair housing complaints are on the rise, in part because of the government’s “zero-tolerance” policy towards discrimination claims.One sure way to get into trouble with fair housing and state discrimination laws is to apply your “house rules” unevenly. If you make a rule, for example limiting the number of guests, use of common areas or pets, make sure you enforce it – all the time.
If a discrimination claim is lodged, investigators will look for evidence that you let some tenants slide while penalizing others. Showing documentation that you have applied your rules consistently could go a long way to defending against government fines and claims for damages.
See last week’s Landlord Quick Tip.
Do you have a quick tip to share with other landlords? If so, please email our editor at kim@joinaaoa.org.
American Apartment Owners Association offers discounts on products and services for landlords related to your commercial housing investment, including rental forms, tenant debt collection, tenant background checks, insurance and financing. Find out more at www.joinaaoa.org.
To subscribe to our blog, click here.
ShareThis
Post Your comment
(2 Comments)
 |
Join AAOA, Free!
        Archives
       |
Member Comments | News | Press Releases | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Advertise with Us | Sitemap
Copyright © 2012-2013 AAOA.com. All Rights Reserved.
Great comment. These cases were backed up and are now being prosecuted. This process can take about 3 years to investigate.
This perception of unfairness can start at the application process. If it is inconsistent or unclear and unevenly applied, there will be an unwillingness to apply for rentals. Properties can stay vacant simply due to a suspicion of an unfair process. This easy-to-remedy issue can cost property investors rents and has the potential for future litigation.
Examining the rental criteria upfront and asking for input from local authorities can prevent costly mistakes and protect applicants and property owners alike.
Fair Housing law is federal and cannot be ignored by property managers or their personnel. Doing so while claiming otherwise puts owners/customers at risk.
[...] symbol to the door, unless they have allowed other tenants to do the same thing. See last week’s Landlord Quick Tip. Do you have a quick tip to share with other landlords? If so, please email our editor at [...]