Description
Did you know that 1 in 5 people in the US have a disability? Half of those are considered severe disabilities.
Disability is defined very broadly under the Fair Housing Act and any resident or prospect can make a disability-related request at any time. They may ask for an accommodation to a rule or procedure or they may need a physical modification to the property.
This session will clearly differentiate between accommodations and modifications, highlighting the rights and responsibilities of market rate vs. subsidized housing providers. It will also include what you need to know about considering such requests, who can act as a verifier, legal reasons for denying – as well as what HUD (Dept. of Housing & Urban Development) expects from you if you do decide to deny.
A range of common accommodation and modification requests will be discussed, including the ubiquitous disability-related aid animal along with HUD's guidance on the subject.
This is an excellent primer for new property managers; it’s also great review for those who need a refresher, and equally beneficial for ‘Mom & Pop’ landlords.
Why They Should Attend:
- Understand Legal Responsibilities:
- Learn the difference between accommodations and modifications and the legal obligations under the Fair Housing Act.
- Enhance Compliance:
- Gain clarity on HUD expectations, proper handling of disability-related requests, and avoid costly legal issues.
- Handle Requests Effectively:
- Understand who can verify requests, legal reasons for denial, and how to navigate common requests such as those for aid animals.
- Stay Updated:
- Review HUD’s latest guidance and trends in fair housing compliance.
- Practical Knowledge:
- Learn through real-life examples of accommodation and modification requests, ensuring attendees can apply the knowledge to everyday scenarios.
Who Should Attend:
- Property Managers:
- New property managers who need foundational knowledge.
- Experienced property managers seeking a refresher.
- Landlords:
- Independent landlords or "Mom & Pop" landlords managing their own properties.
- Market-rate and subsidized housing providers.
- Real Estate Professionals:
- Leasing Agents.
- Real Estate Agents and Brokers working with rental properties.
- Housing Compliance Professionals:
- Fair Housing Compliance Officers.
- HUD-affiliated housing professionals.
- Legal and Regulatory Experts:
- Attorneys specializing in housing or disability rights.
- Housing advocates or nonprofit staff focusing on tenant rights.
- Maintenance Supervisors and Staff:
- Those responsible for implementing physical modifications.
About the Speaker
Jo Becker
A Realtor turned-fair housing advocate, Jo Becker, was a licensed housing provider for 8 years before working for a statewide fair housing nonprofit for 10 years.
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