BIC TIP #1238: Avoid the Orange Jumpsuit
There is a rumor making the rounds, especially in property management circles, that fair housing has somehow gone away. Stephen Long is here to set the record straight: fair housing is still a thing, and the federal fair housing laws have not changed.
Guidance Changed. The Law Did Not.
Here is where the confusion comes from. According to Stephen, HUD has removed some of what it calls its guidance, meaning documents explaining how certain laws should be implemented or interpreted. That part of the rumor is accurate.
But guidance is not the law. The federal fair housing laws themselves are still on the books and still enforceable. Losing an explanation of the rules does not mean you lose the rules. If anything, it means brokers need to understand the underlying law even better, because there is less hand-holding available.
Property Managers, This One Is for You
Property management is where this rumor seems to be spreading fastest. Screening tenants, setting rental criteria, handling reasonable accommodation requests, and writing advertisements all touch fair housing every single day.
If you or someone on your team has started thinking, we do not have to worry about that anymore, stop right there. Treat every applicant consistently, keep your criteria tied to legitimate business reasons, and document your decisions.
Orange Is Not the New Black
Stephen does not mince words about the stakes. Violating federal fair housing law can carry serious consequences, and as he puts it, orange jumpsuits do not look good on him and probably do not look good on you either.
Beyond the legal risk, fair housing violations can damage your reputation, your firm, and your license. No commission check is worth that. When a question comes up, talk to your broker-in-charge or consult a real estate attorney before you act.
The Practical Takeaway
Do not let rumors set your compliance standards. HUD may have pulled certain guidance, but the federal fair housing laws remain in full effect. Keep up with your continuing education, review your practices, and keep treating every consumer fairly and consistently. Stay compliant, stay educated, and stay out of the orange jumpsuit.
