Show Your Support for Housing Equality with Fair Housing Matters Shirts, Mugs, Buttons and More

Show your support for housing equality
with Fair Housing Matters products
now available at the Hillocrian Store.

Hillocrian Creative LLC, publisher of Fair Housing Helper for Apartment Professionals, today announced the launch of the Hillocrian Store. Coinciding with Fair Housing Month, the store's debut product line, "Fair Housing Matters," pays tribute to the hard-fought civil right that protects people across the United States from housing discrimination.

Fair Housing Matters products let you show your support for housing equality beyond Fair Housing Month and can make the perfect gift for a friend, family member or co-worker.

Check out the press release on the Hillocrian Blog for more information.

Visit the Hillocrian Store today to view the entire product line.

National Fair Housing Alliance Report Shines Light on Fair Housing Patterns, Trends and Challenges

Each year, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) issues a report based on its collection of housing discrimination data from across the United States in the prior year. Yesterday, the NFHA released its new 2017 Fair Housing Trends Report: The Case for Fair Housing. Highlighting the past year's patterns, trends and challenges, the timely report is a must-read for Fair Housing Month.

The report notes that an estimated four-million-plus instances of housing discrimination occur annually. However, the number of fair housing complaints actually filed in 2016 totaled 28,181, a slight increase from 2015. Disability-based discrimination continued to account for the majority (55%) of all complaints, while race-based discrimination was the second-most common type (19.6%). Overall, fair housing complaints concerning rental transactions continued an upward trend, now accounting for 91.5% of total complaints.

The comprehensive report includes many more findings, data, and thoughtful analysis, including a discussion of fair housing issues with online services such as Facebook and Airbnb. The report also offers recommendations for eliminating housing discrimination, strengthening fair housing enforcement, and expanding access to opportunity.

Read the entire report courtesy of the NFHA.

Do You Know What Happened 49 Years Ago Today?

Did you know that 49 years ago today, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968 into law? Title VIII of this landmark piece of legislation, also known as the Fair Housing Act (FHA), has served as the primary vehicle through which to seek redress for housing discrimination across the United States. The FHA was signed into law exactly one week after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act of 1968 into law on April 11, 1968.
Image courtesy of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The path toward adopting comprehensive, enforceable anti-discrimination housing legislation was a hard-fought battle that spanned several generations.

Take a moment to remember this landmark day in civil rights and housing by reading a "History of Fair Housing," courtesy of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Ending Soon: $9.99 Fair Housing Training eBook for Only $1.99

As Fair Housing Month comes to a close, today is the last day to take advantage of Fair Housing Helper's Fair Housing Month Deal: You can still pick up the Kindle version of the award-winning compliance training book—complete with professional designation, badge, and personalized certificate—for the very low price of $1.99.

Thanks to free Kindle apps, you don't need a Kindle device and can download the book to read on your tablet, smartphone, or even a computer. The Kindle version normally retails for $9.99 (and a paperback version is available for $19.99).

Kirkus Reviews calls Fair Housing Helper for Apartment Professionals a "useful, easy-to-read guide for those who want to learn more about complying with U.S. fair housing law," noting that the "book offers plenty of good advice in plain English" and the "quiz format makes learning the law fun and easy to digest."

To take advantage of this special limited-time offer, visit Amazon.com today.

You can start reading the book immediately after download, and then you'll be on your way to earning your designation as a FairHousingHelper.com Gold Professional (complete with badge and personalized certificate) in no time.

For more information about the book and professional designation, please visit FairHousingHelper.com.

Avoid Fair Housing Traps When Renting Apartments to Single People

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) doesn't protect tenants based on the fact they're not married, but landlords can still get into legal trouble if they treat tenants more—or less—favorably simply because they’re single.

If you're a landlord thinking about turning away prospective tenants for being single, or you're considering creating an apartment community designed for singles only, take a moment to learn about the inherent fair housing risks behind both types of practices.

Check out my recent article for Nolo.com, entitled "Avoid Fair Housing Trouble When Dealing With Single Tenants," for more information.

Caution: Ignoring Apartment Prospects Because of Their Name or Accent May Be Bad for Business—and Illegal

When landlords engage in profiling with prospective tenants at their properties, they're risking fair housing complaints based on national origin, race, or another protected class. Profiling involves making certain assumptions about prospective tenants based on characteristics they have, and then turning them away as a result.

Profiling interferes with prospective tenants in their search for housing while creating risks for landlords. To prevent problems, learn more about the types of profiling and how to avoid it by checking out my recent article for Nolo.com.

Do you know about the Fair Housing Month Sale? Read "Fair Housing Month Sale! $9.99 Fair Housing eBook Only $1.99 (Limited-Time Offer)" for more information.

Fair Housing Month Sale! $9.99 Fair Housing eBook Only $1.99 (Limited-Time Offer)

To celebrate fair housing month, Fair Housing Helper is pleased to offer, for a limited time, the Kindle version of its award-winning compliance training book—complete with professional designation, badge, and personalized certificate—for only $1.99. The Kindle version normally retails for $9.99 (and a paperback version is available for $19.99). Thanks to free Kindle apps, you don't need a Kindle device and can download the book to read on your tablet, smartphone, or even a computer.

Kirkus Reviews calls Fair Housing Helper for Apartment Professionals a "useful, easy-to-read guide for those who want to learn more about complying with U.S. fair housing law," noting that the "book offers plenty of good advice in plain English" and the "quiz format makes learning the law fun and easy to digest."

Discover the answers to these questions and more:

• What phrases should I avoid when advertising my apartments?
• Can I reject applicants who weren't born in the U.S.A.?
• Do I have enough parking spaces for people with disabilities?
• Must I let a tenant keep a cat for his disability?
• Can I require families to put children in separate bedrooms?
• Can I reject prospects with HIV or AIDS for health reasons?
• Should I worry about discriminating against illegal drug users?
• Will I get fined because all my tenants are white?
• Must I rent to families with children at my senior community?
• Will I get into trouble for turning away Section 8 prospects?
• Can I legally reject prospects who are openly gay?
• Do I need to install grab bars in my apartments' bathrooms?
• Can I decorate my common areas for the holidays?

To take advantage of this special limited-time offer, visit Amazon.com today. You can start reading the book immediately after download, and then you'll be on your way to earning your designation as a FairHousingHelper.com Gold Professional (complete with badge and personalized certificate) in no time.

For more information about the book, please visit FairHousingHelper.com.

Watch President Johnson Proudly Announce the Passage of the Fair Housing Act

After years of debate and struggle, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) became a legislative reality on April 11, 1968, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1968, of which the FHA was Title VIII.

Since that time, the FHA has been amended to include additional protected classes and provide for stronger enforcement. Its aim, as stated in the very beginning of the text of the law, remains "to provide, within constitutional limitations, for fair housing throughout the United States."

As Fair Housing Month nears its end, take a moment to watch President Johnson speak about his efforts to enact federal housing discrimination legislation and proclaim that one of his presidency's "proudest moments" is the signing into law of the "promises of a century," in this short video (courtesy of History.com):

It's Fair Housing Month... Do You Know How to File a Fair Housing Complaint With HUD?

If you're an apartment prospect or tenant who believes that your landlord or another housing professional has illegally discriminated against you, you may be able to get relief under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This popular route saves tenants time and money as well as the need to hire an attorney.

Here are the steps you'll need to take if you decide to proceed with filing a complaint against your landlord with HUD.

Rental Properties and Pets: Making Reasonable Accommodations for a Disability

Landlords are entitled to create and enforce rules governing tenants' pets at a rental property. They can even ban pets from their buildings, if they wish.

But landlords and tenants should both know that landlords can't automatically say no to prospects and tenants who request to keep an animal in their apartment as an accommodation for a disability.

Instead, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) says that landlords must consider all accommodation requests tenants make that they need in connection with a disability, then grant such requests, if they're reasonable. 

See what lessons landlords and tenants can learn from a recent dispute about a family's request to keep a "therapy pig" in their home for the benefit of a child diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger's.

It's Fair Housing Month... Do You Know When the Fair Housing Act Applies to a Rental Property?

Although the Fair Housing Act (FHA), a federal law, has broad geographic reach, the nation's primary piece of housing discrimination legislation doesn't apply to all rental properties in every situation.

For example, the FHA generally doesn't apply if landlords own and occupy a building with fewer than five apartments. Also, the FHA doesn't apply to most situations where a single-family house is sold or rented without a broker.

Learn more about federal fair housing law exemptions by checking out my recent article for Nolo.com, entitled "Does the Federal Fair Housing Act Apply to Your Rental Property?"

Limit Your Liability After Fair Housing Accusations

As a landlord trying to run a successful business while keeping tenants happy, it's not a good feeling to learn one of your tenants is accusing you of discrimination. But whether a tenant's claims are unfounded or you or a staff member slipped up, there are things you should—and shouldn't—do when you find out about a fair housing complaint.

To start with, it's essential not to panic or let strong feelings rule the day. Maintaining a professional, calm demeanor and thinking clearly is the best way to proceed. Rushing to speak your mind and argue with a tenant who is accusing you of violating the law could lead you to say something you'll later regret or just make the situation worse.

Get more tips on minimizing liability following fair housing accusations by checking out my recent article for Nolo.com, entitled "What to Do if a Tenant Accuses You of Housing Discrimination."

The Broad Geographic Reach of the Fair Housing Act

Did you know that the Fair Housing Act (FHA) is the law of the land in more than just the mainland?

A federal law, the FHA has a geographic coverage that extends to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories and possessions of the United States (see 42 USC § 3602(g)).

Just yesterday, for example, Guam Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio signed a proclamation recognizing Fair Housing Month in that territory, according to a report from KUAM.com.

It's Fair Housing Month... When Can an Apartment Rule Legally Single Out Children?

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects tenants based on "familial status," which refers to the presence of at least one child under 18. Despite the FHA's protection, it's okay for landlords to single out children in apartment rules if their health or safety is specifically at stake.

As I explain in an article for About.com, you can determine if a rule at your apartment building is in compliance with the FHA by asking yourself two questions.

It's Fair Housing Month... Do You Have the Right to Display Religious Objects in Your Apartment?

For many tenants, making an apartment feel like home means displaying their faith in their decor. But before you place items on a shelf or attach them to your wall, you might wonder if a landlord can restrict which religious objects you choose to display, or even ask you to make your apartment decor appear less religious.

Thanks to the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which applies across the United States, tenants can feel free to include what they wish in their decor, and landlords who try to limit religious displays inside tenants' homes are violating the FHA's ban on religious discrimination.

Learn more about how federal law protects you when it comes to religious decor by checking out my article for About.com, entitled "Your Right to Display Religious Objects in Your Apartment."

Tenants With HIV/AIDS: Follow 7 Dos & Don'ts to Avoid Fair Housing Problems

Many landlords are hesitant, if not scared, to rent to tenants whom they know or suspect have HIV or AIDS. They fear that doing so would put other tenants at high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS, and that they could face liability for any harm their tenants suffer.

But the Fair Housing Act (FHA), through its ban on disability-based discrimination, protects people with HIV/AIDS from being treated differently during the rental process, which means landlords can actually get into trouble if they refuse to rent to tenants simply because they have HIV/AIDS.

It's also important to be aware of the fact that HIV/AIDS isn't spread by casual contact or even through the air, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, landlords (and other tenants) needn't fear an AIDS epidemic at their property.

I recently put together a set of dos and don'ts to avoid violating the FHA when it comes to renting to tenants with HIV or AIDS. Check them out in my article for Nolo.com, entitled "Dealing With Rental Applicants Who Have HIV/AIDS."

Lower Your Fair Housing Risk by Telling Prospects About All Available Apartments

Some landlords don't tell prospects about all the available apartments at their building that fit their search parameters. Very often, it's because the landlords make assumptions about unstated needs or limitations that they believe the prospects have. For example, some landlords assume that a prospect with a noticeable mobility impairment might not be interested in renting an apartment that's far from the elevator or situated on the third floor of a walkup.

Find out why it's always best to tell prospects about all vacancies that match their criteria by checking out the third video from the "Fair Housing Tips in Less Than a Minute" YouTube series.

Are Landlords Required to Take Applicants in the Order They Apply?

Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, you might wonder if accepting qualified applicants out of order amounts to illegal housing discrimination.

The short answer is it could be, but even landlords who don't intend to discriminate risk giving the appearance of doing so through inconsistent screening practices.

Learn more by checking out my guest post on Landlordology.com, entitled "Do I Have to Accept Applicants in the Order They Applied?"

How a Tenant Selection Plan Can Lower Fair Housing Risks

If you're a landlord who doesn't have a written tenant selection plan or if you have one but you and your staff treat it as an internal document, you may be unwittingly increasing your risk of fair housing accusations.

Creating a written tenant selection plan that you share with applicants is a smart idea. Applicants who first learn about your screening criteria from a rejection letter are more likely to question whether discrimination was behind your decision.

Learn more about this by checking out my recent article for Nolo.com, entitled "Avoid Fair Housing Trouble with a Tenant Selection Plan."

It's Fair Housing Month... Did You Know That Retaliation Is Its Own Fair Housing Violation?

Many landlords and tenants alike don't know that retaliation is itself a fair housing violation. This means that a landlord who takes adverse action against a tenant because the tenant is pursuing a fair housing complaint is violating the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Even if the underlying complaint proves to be unsuccessful, a tenant can still succeed in bringing a complaint against the landlord based on retaliation.

Find out more about retaliation under the FHA by checking out the fifth video from the "Fair Housing Tips in Less Than a Minute" YouTube series.