The Fair Housing Act was established to combat discrimination in various aspects of housing, including buying, renting, selling, building, and repairing homes. It aims to eliminate discrimination based on factors such as race, skin color, religion, appearance, national origin, sex, family status, and disability.
Individuals and entities across the housing industry, from landlords to property marketing companies to maintenance professionals, must not engage in discrimination, as it is against the law and can lead to legal action from those who have been affected.
If a maintenance professional refuses service, offers varying levels of service, or charges different rates based on a resident’s characteristics, they are not in compliance with the law, which could jeopardize both their company and their employment.
This is why maintenance professionals should familiarize themselves with the regulations concerning fair housing compliance that they are obligated to adhere to. This blog is dedicated to offering essential insights on how maintenance professionals can avoid discrimination and remain compliant with fair housing rules.
Here are some important steps and things maintenance professionals should be aware of to comply with fair housing laws:
- Understanding Common Fair Housing Issues: Maintenance professionals should familiarize themselves with common situations related to fair housing. For example, they should know that they must make reasonable accommodations for residents with disabilities. This could mean installing handrails, providing accessible entryways, or making other necessary adjustments to ensure equal access for all residents.
- Identifying and Addressing Potential Violations: Maintenance professionals should receive training to recognize and appropriately respond to potential fair housing violations. For instance, if they witness a situation where someone is being treated unfairly due to their race, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic, they should take action. This might involve reporting the issue to their supervisor or the appropriate authorities.
- Detailed Record-Keeping: It’s crucial for maintenance professionals to keep thorough records of their interactions with residents. This includes noting the date, time, and nature of each interaction. For example, if a resident requests a modification due to a disability, the maintenance professional should document this request and any actions taken to fulfill it. These records can be invaluable if a fair housing complaint is filed, helping to provide a clear and transparent account of events.
- Effective Communication: Maintaining open and respectful communication with all residents is essential for fair housing compliance. Without effective communication, misunderstandings can occur, potentially leading to residents’ needs not being met, which may result in violations of fair housing laws. Clear communication ensures that maintenance professionals fully understand residents’ needs, including any special accommodations required, and can respond appropriately to meet those needs in accordance with fair housing laws.
Fair housing laws can be complicated, so it’s vital for maintenance professionals to know what they’re supposed to do. If they, maintenance professionals, are not familiar with the topics mentioned above, they can acquire this knowledge through the Fair Housing Boot Camp for maintenance professionals. Understanding what actions to take and what to avoid will enable them to adhere to fair housing compliance.
Conclusion
Fair housing compliance is a legal and ethical imperative for maintenance professionals. Understanding, recognizing, and addressing potential violations while maintaining clear communication with residents are essential steps to ensure fairness and avoid legal repercussions. By adhering to these guidelines, maintenance professionals can contribute to a housing environment that respects the rights of all residents and remains in accordance with the law.
