Fair housing testing is an essential tool for ensuring that property owners and managers comply with fair housing laws. The practice involves sending testers, who pose as potential renters, to assess whether landlords and property managers are engaging in discriminatory practices. As a landlord or property manager, it’s crucial to be prepared for when a…
While seasoned landlords are no strangers to handling tenant disputes, one particular situation – tenant-on-tenant discrimination – requires additional discussion and immediate action. Buried within the Oregon Administrative Rules is OAR 839-005-0206 which details specific theories of discrimination involving housing in Oregon. One particular section involves landlords: (5) Tenant-on-tenant harassment: A housing provider is liable…
In recent years, the LGBT community has earned additional rights under the law in many different contexts. From same-sex marriage recognition to restroom access corresponding to a person’s gender identity, the law is constantly evolving. The Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) does not specifically include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes. However, discrimination…
Think Before You Speak It is natural to make friendly conversation with prospects during the application process.
Below are open letters from Attorney Michael Millman opposing the Affordable Housing Act. Dear Mayor Garcetti: I’m certain that when you served on the City Council and chaired the Council Housing Committee, you always made certain that important housing legislation was thoroughly examined, reviewed and evaluated by not only tenant rights representatives, but also several…
On November 30, 2015 the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued new guidance involving the use of criminal background screening in federally assisted properties. In honor of Fair Housing Month, HUD issued new guidance on April 4, 2016 for this topic for all communities. That guidance, which was effective immediately, requires…