Categories: Property Management

What is Fair Housing?

What is Fair Housing? Fair housing requirements are some of the most complex standards in rental housing, and it’s easy for landlords to get into trouble with these laws without intending to. If you aren’t using professional Long Beach Property Management, make sure you understand the federal and local fair housing laws that apply to you, otherwise you could face expensive fines and lawsuits.

Avoiding Discrimination

Fair housing laws protect classes of people who have been subject to discrimination in the past. They prevent you from denying housing or treating tenants differently because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability or familial status.

Fair Housing and Marketing

You may not think it’s possible to discriminate against people just by advertising your rental home, but it is. Be careful with your wording and don’t make it sound like you’re trying to attract specific groups of people. When you’re describing a neighborhood and the house, be specific only about the things that would attract everyone. For example, say your property has a “spacious yard” rather than a “yard that’s great for children.” You don’t want to say an apartment would be “great for retirees.” Stay away from descriptions geared towards age, familial status and other fair housing categories.

Fair Housing and Screening

Screen every application consistently. You need a set of written rental criteria that explains exactly what is required in order for a tenant to get approved for your property. Provide all potential applicants with your rental criteria so they know what you’re looking for before they apply. If you screen one tenant differently than another, you can be accused of discrimination. Each prospective tenant needs to be held to the same consistent standards.

There is a lot of information available to landlords about fair housing laws and how to stay compliant with them. We are experienced with these laws and consistently stay up to date with fair housing cases and best practices. If you’d like to hear more, please contact us at CMC Realty & Property Management in Long Beach, CA.

CMC

View Comments

Recent Posts

Why Multi-Family Units Are a Smart Investment in Long Beach

Investing in multi-family units in Long Beach is not only a smart financial decision, but…

2 days ago

How to Quickly Fill Vacancies in Long Beach: Marketing Strategies That Work

Vacancy periods can be costly for property owners, making it essential to minimize downtime between…

2 days ago

The Importance of Legal Compliance in Long Beach Property Management

Property management in Long Beach is a multifaceted industry, where legal compliance plays a crucial…

2 days ago

Essential Real Estate Tips for First-Time Buyers

Buying your first home is a great milestone, but without the necessary information and planning,…

3 days ago

Smart Saving Strategies for Renters: Your Path to a Down Payment

In today's competitive housing market, the dream of homeownership can seem increasingly out of reach…

3 days ago

Navigating Long Beach’s Real Estate Market: A Guide for New Investors

Investing in real estate can be a lucrative venture, especially in a dynamic market like…

2 weeks ago