HUD Considerations In addition, if your property receives federal funding or is a HUD-funded property, there are further rules that you will need to apply to your criminal history application and screening policies. Appeals Process Now that your policy has been broken down to allow greater access, an appeals process is in your best interest should an applicant be denied. Going this extra step will aid in your defense if a disparate impact claim is ever made. As we said, these are just a few of the things to consider when creating a criminal history screening policy. It’s always a good best practice to have a Fair Housing attorney look over your policies for added protection.
Also, let’s not forget training! Does everyone on your staff know how to appropriately handle a prospect who has a criminal history? Having each of these policy elements will aid your property's superior level of compliance.
IT’S ALWAYS A GOOD BEST PRACTICE TO HAVE A FAIR HOUSING ATTORNEY LOOK OVER YOUR POLICIES FOR ADDED PROTECTION.
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. Click here to watch Fair Housing Educational Videos.
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