The reasonable person rule is a legal test that judges whether someone acted with the degree of care expected of an ordinary, prudent person in the same situation. Many factors can be considered while determining the standard for a reasonable person, like age, knowledge, experience, and the circumstance of the situation.
The reasonable person rule applies to everyone in every profession, including employers, landlords, property managers, drivers, health care providers, etc. In this blog, we will discuss the reasonable person rule in the context of fair housing. While complying with the reasonable person’s rule, housing providers should not discriminate against people based on gender, color, race, religion, national origin, etc.
Here are some of the ways through which you can ensure compliance with the reasonable person rule while maintaining fair housing:
1. Educate yourself: Learn about local codes and rules as well as federal, state, and municipal fair housing legislation. Understanding your responsibilities as a landlord, property manager, or real estate expert can help you stay clear of any accidental discriminatory acts.
2. Use objective criteria: Ensure that any criteria used to choose renters are impartial and inclusive. Avoiding elements like ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, handicap, or familial status is necessary to achieve this. It should be based on objective standards rather, such as an income report, credit score, rental history, etc.
3. Provide equal access: Ensure that everyone, including those with disabilities, has equitable access to housing options. Where required, make reasonable adaptations or accommodations.
4. Maintain fair advertising practices: Sustain fair advertising practices by abstaining from using discriminatory language in promotional materials and making sure that all housing units are accessible to all. Make sure you sound inclusive and non-discriminatory while promoting.
5. Treat all applicants equally: Do not discriminate between applicants based on their protected status. This includes offering the same rental terms and conditions, delivering the same quality of service, and handling applications in the same way.
6. Respond promptly to complaints: Resolve any complaints or issues related to fair housing immediately and completely. Look into every complaint, take necessary action, and keep a record of your steps.
7. Train your staff: Ensure that everyone is aware of their obligations under the fair housing legislation. All staff members, including the maintenance team and leasing agents, should get fair housing training.
8. Keep accurate records: Keep thorough records of all your interactions with possible renters, including their applications, the criteria you used to evaluate them, and any correspondence.
Bottom line
It is crucial to comply with the reasonable person rule to avoid getting penalized by the law authorities. Check out Compliance Prime for more information about the reasonable person rule in fair housing.
