JUST ASKING
Why should you avoid asking about the nature and severity of someone's disability?
a) Privacy Laws
b) Fair Housing Act
c) Both
c) Both, and it is not relevant to their application.
A physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities.
What is a Disability.
TRUE or FALSE: Boards do not need to take a reasonable accommodation request seriously if the resident has lived in the community for years and is just now asking for a an accommodation.
FALSE. Requests can be made at any time during the tenancy.
True or False: Only the onsite manager needs to be familiar with Fair Housing laws.
False- Anyone dealing with applicants and residents should regularly review the basics of Fair Housing laws.
Can communities ask for income information and references from applicants?
Yes, as long as they are applied equally to all applicants.
The expression of personal belief in and and reverence for a power recognized as the creator and governor of the universe.
What is Religion
What is the difference between a Reasonable Accommodation and Reasonable Modification?
Accommodation is a change to a rule, policy, or practice and Modification is a structural change.
A resident's 19 year old son is moving into another home in the community. You've been told the co-op doesn't need to perform a background check since he's only 19, can you make an exception in this case?
No- all applicants must be treated equally.
A young couple has moved in to the community and board members are eager to attract young families. Is it ok to ask if they're planning on having kids?
No.
Where a person was born or where their ancestors originated.
What is National Origin.
TRUE OR FALSE: If an assistance animal bites a neighbor, the owner cannot be held responsible since the animal is necessary for their disability.
FALSE. Rules related to the health and safety of other residents may be applied to assistance animals.
True or False: Housing providers may exclude persons convicted of the illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance.
TRUE
Can I ask an applicant if they have ever been arrested?
No, you can only consider convictions.
Residents with children under 18 living with them or a pregnant woman.
What is Familial Status.
TRUE OR FALSE: Animals needed for physical disabilities and animals needed for mental disabilities require different types of request for reasonable accommodation.
FALSE- the Fair Housing Act applies to all disabilities regardless of type.
Kids in our community are leaving bikes and toys out and creating hazards. Our board wants to add rules that say kids shall not leave items out in yard or sidewalk, is there a potential violation here?
Yes. Kids should not be singled out, the rules need to apply to everyone.
Can you ask an applicant for proof of legal residency in the U.S.?
Yes, but only if ALL applicants are asked the same question.
TRUE or FALSE: Non-citizens are not protected under the Fair Housing Act.
FALSE.
You receive a request for a Reasonable Accommodation to have an assistance animal. The person's disability or need is not obvious. Can you ask for verification?
Yes, but is not limited to a doctor- can be verified by a variety of sources (peer support group, caregiver, etc.)
Our city has specific occupancy guidelines limiting how many people can reside in a home. How do we follow these guidelines without discriminating against large families?
Cite the city's ordinance in your policies and community rules.