Let’s say one (or ten) of your rental units is available. You have a “no pets” policy. Or maybe you only allow cats. Your phone rings with an interested potential renter. Their needs fit your availability, they sound great. You set up a time for a showing. Then they say, “We have a dog, is that OK?” And you say, “I’m sorry, as it says in our ad, we do not take dogs.”
They reply, “But it is a service dog and I have a doctor’s note.”
Now how do you respond? Will all your other residents want dogs if you allow this one on your property? Does this person really have a disability that a dog directly alleviates? Can you charge an extra deposit or fee, or simply tell them you are unable to allow the dog?
How do you comply with Fair Housing laws and follow through with consistent rules on your property?
And what if someone asks if you take Leased Housing or Section 8? Do you participate in that program? Do you have to?
If you don’t know the answers to ALL these situations, you could easily expose yourself to a Fair Housing complaint. Come to our April meeting in the evening of the 14th, and hear the latest. April is Fair Housing month. LaSheila Yates, Executive Director of the Civil Rights Commission, will speak to our group next week on these current issues.
Our meeting is Thursday evening, the 14th, at the Longbranch. (Please note our change of location.) Social starts at 6:00, with the meal served at 6:45. The program will start at 7:00. Be sure to email us at [email protected] no later than Sunday night, April 10, if you plan to attend. The Longbranch needs a count for food prep and room set-up. Although non-eaters are always welcome, it is important that you sign up for the meal, as this is how we are able to hold our meetings at such a nice location.
See you all on Thursday!