Redbook Blues: It's Fair

Just a reminder, this article does not provide legal advice.  If you need fair housing or other operational legal advice, contact one of AATC’s member attorneys (https://www.aatcnet.org/legal-services-program).

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Developed (HUD) designates April as Fair Housing Month, but for AATC members, every month is fair housing month. AATC members practice fair housing not out of obligation or compulsion but because it is the right thing to do.

Like most operational issues, the TAA REDBOOK contains numerous tools and resources to assist residential rental housing owners and operates successfully compiles with federal fair housing statutes, policies, and regulations.

Whether you have been in the multifamily industry for 20 years or 2 days, it is good to know basic fair housing principles. 

Begin by understanding the seven protected classes. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination by a rental housing provider based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. Some cities have additional fair housing laws or protections, such as prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, marital status, sexual preference, or student status. For example, Fort Worth prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. These laws cover the entire leasing process and landlord-tenant relationship. 

In 2022, HUD investigated more than 11,000 fair-housing complaints, so it's extremely important, not to mention your responsibility, to ensure you are up to speed on Fair Housing laws. 

To help you and your colleagues thrive in today’s rental environment, visit TAA Redbook online to familiarize yourself with the following terms;

• Protected class
• Disparate impact vs. disparate treatment
• Exemptions
• 55 and Older Communities
• Treating people differently
• Steering
• Advertising
• Security deposits
• Age requirements
• Accommodations for persons with disabilities
• Modifications for persons with disabilities
• National origin
• Religion or race
• Fair housing and sexual orientation
• Pool rules and other apartment rules
• Advertising rules

Nicole Zaitoon, Allied Property Management, is AATC’s 2023 Government Affairs Committee Chair and a member of AATC’s Board of Directors.