Property Management in Dallas, TX : Housing Discrimination and You

The already complex regulations surrounding the Fair Housing Act are continually expanding, in order to promote a climate of non-discrimination in property management in Dallas, TX, property management in Arlington, TX, and property management across the nation. Here is a fundamental refresher course, to help you stay on track:

Housing Discrimination and You : Some Reminders

• Applicant screening - It is during the screening of potential residents that the landlord or property manager is most likely to run into trouble. The best approach overall is to treat each applicant exactly the same. One of the easiest ways to accomplish this is to create a script of questions you will ask each applicant. Be sure to stick to the script.
  
  
• Avoid using certain words - Another approach employed by many property management professionals is to simply avoid certain words altogether. Some of these words include references to children, kids, or family members, references to anything age-related, any mention of race or ethnicity, and anything to do with physical or mental handicaps. Be aware of the touchy nature of sexual discrimination rules as well, even avoiding compliments on an applicant's good looks.
  
  
• Keep it honest - Since the letter of the Fair Housing law is intended to protect a vacancy applicant from discrimination, be sure to honor that during the process of choosing a resident. If you have several different applicants to choose from, make sure you are opting for the best one for your rental property by employing a fair basis for choice to your consideration of each applicant.