California is renowned for its cultural diversity, including a significant number of refugees seeking safety and new opportunities. With the recent upheavals in Afghanistan and Haiti, and the war in Ukraine, California is once again welcoming newcomers at climbing rates. Apartment owners are thinking intentionally about their strategy for making sure their units are accessible to tenants with diverse cultural backgrounds. Read on to learn the three essential tips for renting to refugees.
Tip 1: Approach Each Interaction with Respect and Clear Communication
Earlier this year, the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC) conducted focus groups of refugees from Afghanistan and asked: “What would you want to tell property managers about working with newcomers?”
“We want professional and respectful communication,” “Show us a little patience if we don’t understand something,” and “Don’t judge a book by its cover” were all common refrains. Effective cross-cultural communication begins with respect and the willingness to bridge language barriers. When dealing with refugees, many of whom may have limited English proficiency, it is crucial to approach each interaction with sensitivity and cultural humility.
Refugees have experienced trauma and displacement, which is compounded by the stress of navigating the housing market. Property managers should be patient, compassionate, and willing to invest effort in clear communication, even if a language barrier exists. Following are some ways to achieve this.
Culturally Sensitive Communication
Be aware of cultural differences in communication styles, such as level of formality and personal space, which can vary widely among different cultures. Sensitivity to these nuances can enhance trust. Cultural sensitivity extends to showing respect for different cultural practices. One refugee shared with NCRC that they were hanging laundry to dry on their balcony, and that they were yelled at by their property manager for cluttering the common space. They were confused and scared because they wanted to be a good tenant and didn’t want to risk losing their housing. A respectful brainstorming conversation with the property manager could have afforded them some alternative, mutually agreeable solutions. At the heart of cross-cultural communication is honoring the dignity of each person and recognizing that each party may be seeing the situation differently.
Utilize Translation Services
Apartment owners should be prepared to use translation services or hire bilingual staff to assist with communication. This demonstrates a commitment to making the rental process accessible and equitable. We have heard from property owners who used free services like Google Translate to send text messages to tenants, those that used a pay-by-the-minute telephone interpretation company, and those that would set up tenant meetings with a case manager or community volunteer who speaks that language. Cost-effective options are available for even small operations or family businesses, and this effort at the start of a renting relationship goes a long way in avoiding potential misunderstandings.
Tip 2: Get Educated About Financial and Legal Considerations
Understanding the unique immigration and employment support that refugees receive, and related financial and legal considerations is vital for property managers. While all property managers want to avoid discrimination and ensure fair treatment, some may not be considering how a one-size-fits-all approach might exclude some quality tenants. Here’s how property managers can stay informed:
Benefit Programs: Familiarize yourself with the various benefit programs available to refugees which should be considered as valid income sources, such as CalWorks and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA). Newly arrived refugees may not have employment yet, but they do receive employment assistance programs and case management support with a goal of achieving self-sufficiency within a few months. Because of assistance programs like MediCal and CalFresh, refugees often allocate a higher percentage of their monthly income to rent. If you have questions about refugees, your local government has programs for providing these resources; such as San Diego County’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.
Have Equitable Policies: Have a documented plan for applicants who are new to the U.S. and do not have a credit score. What proof of income do you accept in lieu of a traditional credit report? If you accept, for example, a promissory note from their resettlement agency detailing the applicant’s income sources, ensure you implement this policy with any refugee applicant, not just those from certain countries.
Avoiding Discrimination: Be aware of fair housing laws and regulations to prevent discrimination based on race, nationality, or refugee status. Treating all applicants and tenants fairly is not only legally required but also ethically essential. Make sure you are intentionally considering unique family makeup, and that you are not setting overly restrictive rules on children to avoid discrimination based on family size.
Tip 3: Implement an Inclusive Outreach Strategy
To effectively rent to refugees, apartment owners must adopt an inclusive outreach strategy that involves reaching out to the diverse communities in the area and creating a welcoming environment for prospective refugee tenants. Here’s how:
Multilingual Advertising: Make rental advertisements available in all threshold languages in your market area. This demonstrates inclusivity, avoids concerns of discrimination based on ethnicity, and increases the chances of reaching potential tenants who are not fluent in English.
Collaborate with Refugee Resettlement Agencies: Establish Memorandums of Understanding with local refugee resettlement agencies. This partnership can help property managers notify housing placement specialists about available units, ensuring that refugees receive timely housing options. Since most agencies have new arrivals monthly this is also a great way to avoid vacancies. This approach is not about showing unfair preference, but rather eliminating barriers to equity for populations who would not otherwise know how to find your advertised units.
Conclusion
In California, developing a proactive strategy for successfully renting to refugees is not only the more thoughtful approach, but it also makes good business sense. By approaching interactions with respect and clear communication, staying informed, and implementing an inclusive outreach strategy, apartment owners can contribute to providing safe, welcoming, and equitable housing options for refugees. In doing so, they not only fulfill their responsibilities but also enrich their communities by fostering a more inclusive and diverse rental market.
For information on how your team can earn their Inclusive Housing Provider badge through the National Conflict Resolution Center and the County of San Diego HSEC– Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, contact Dania Brett, [email protected].
The guidance provided herein is considered informational and should not be construed, nor is it intended, as legal advice. You should always consult an attorney for advice regarding your situation, including those related to discrimination policies.