BEST PRACTICES FOR PROPERTY MANAGERS TO AVOID DISCRIMINATION AND STEERING To avoid both overt and subtle forms of discrimination, property managers must adopt clear and unbiased practices in resident screening and communication. Below are some essential best practices that housing providers can follow to ensure fairness in their processes:
Property managers should implement standardized, objective resident screening processes that are applied uniformly to all applicants.
They should ensure clear communication of financial requirements like income- to-rent ratios without excluding legal income sources, such as housing vouchers.
They must also stay informed of local laws regarding sources of income discrimination and adjust policies to remain compliant.
Regular training is essential to avoid steering and ensure fair treatment for all applicants.
Additionally, internal audits help monitor compliance and a commitment to diversity fosters inclusive housing environments for individuals from all financial backgrounds.
CONCLUSION As the legal landscape continues to evolve, housing providers must remain diligent in their efforts to avoid both income-based discrimination and steering. Property managers who operate with transparency, fairness, and respect for the law are not only protecting themselves from legal risk but are also contributing to the creation of equitable housing opportunities for all. By understanding and complying with local regulations, offering training on steering
practices, and implementing fair screening processes, housing professionals can ensure they are fostering an inclusive and fair housing environment. In this way, the entire housing industry can contribute to a more just and equitable system, where residents are judged on their ability to pay rent—regardless of the source of that income—and have equal access to housing opportunities across all neighborhoods and price ranges.
KATHELENE WILLIAMS Attorney and President The Fair Housing Institute
Kathi Williams is one of the founders of Fair Housing Institute. FHI is the accomplished vision of Kathi who views its educational courses as the best method housing providers can use to accomplish compliance and avoid litigation. Kathi is also a partner in the Law Firm of Williams Edelstein Tucker, P.C. providing defense and preventative representation for the housing industry in all civil rights matters. During the many decades Kathi has been advising her housing provider clients, she developed a unique understanding of the most effective methods of communicating fair housing best practices through training.
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