Fair Housing Fines Increase

Protecting Yourself from FHA Penalties

One of the largest benefits of hiring a professional property management such as Property Butler is knowing they are knowledgeable in tenant-landlord laws. Sometimes these laws entail abstruse details that can easily be precluded which can carry steep penalties and fines.

The Fair Housing Act covers most housing. In some circumstances, the Act exempts owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.

In the Sale and Rental of Housing: No one may take any of the following actions based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap:   Refuse to rent or sell housing   Refuse to negotiate for housing   Make housing unavailable   Deny a dwelling   Set different terms, conditions or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling   Provide different housing services or facilities   Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental   For profit, persuade owners to sell or rent (blockbusting) or   Deny anyone access to or membership in a facility or service (such as a multiple   listing service) related to the sale or rental of housing.

This week, the Department of Justice published its final ruling which raises the maximum civil penalties under the Fair Housing Act. The maximum civil penalty for a first violation has increased from $55,000 to $75,000; for a subsequent violation the new maximum is $150,000. The new maximums apply only to violations occurring on or after April 28, 2014.

Let a professional property management company like Property Butler give you piece of mind in following the laws associated with the real estate industry.