Understanding Fair Housing Laws: A Must-Know for Property Managers

In Maryland, fair housing laws play a vital role in ensuring equal housing opportunities. Property managers must possess a comprehensive understanding of these regulations to operate legally and ethically.

Here’s a breakdown of key fair housing principles for property managers in
Maryland:

• Protected Classes: Maryland fair housing laws prohibit discrimination against tenants based on race, religion, national origin, sex, familial status (including pregnancy), and disability.
• Rental Process: The entire rental process, from advertising to tenant selection, must be fair and non-discriminatory. Property managers cannot make inquiries or set criteria that have a discriminatory effect on these protected classes.
• Reasonable Accommodations: Property managers must provide reasonable accommodations to tenants with disabilities to ensure equal access and enjoyment of housing. This may involve modifying rental units or policies.
• Advertising: It’s illegal to use discriminatory language or imagery in advertising rental properties. Wording that suggests preference for certain tenants based on protected classes is strictly prohibited.
• Transparency and Recordkeeping: Property managers should maintain clear and consistent policies and application procedures. Keeping detailed records of tenant screening processes is crucial to demonstrate fair housing practices.

By adhering to these fair housing principles, property managers in Maryland can create a just and inclusive housing environment for all residents. If you have further questions or require more specific guidance, it’s always recommended to consult with an attorney specializing in fair housing law.

Enforcement: Fair housing laws are enforced by the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Violations can result in hefty fines and legal action.

Resources: The MCCR and HUD offer resources and training materials to help property managers understand and comply with fair housing laws. Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR): https://mccr.maryland.gov/Pages/Intake.aspx

Staying Updated: Fair housing laws are constantly evolving. Property managers should stay updated on any changes to ensure they’re adhering to the latest regulations. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): https://www.hud.gov/faqs/fairhousing

Examples of Discrimination: While the core principles are clear, understanding what constitutes discrimination can be nuanced. Here are some examples to avoid:

• Refusing to rent to a qualified tenant based on their race, religion, or disability.
• Advertising that only families or single occupants are welcome.
• Denying a reasonable accommodation request from a tenant with a disability, such as installing grab bars in a bathroom.

Tenant Selection Criteria: Property managers can establish reasonable tenant selection criteria, such as income verification, credit checks, and rental history verification. However, these criteria must be
applied consistently and fairly to all applicants, regardless of their protected class.

Fair Housing Training: Taking fair housing training courses can help property managers stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and best practices for fair and compliant tenant screening processes.