Can a tenant be evicted for calling the police? In this episode of the Fair Housing Insiders: Case Files, we examine United States v. David and Lisa Montanis, where a tenant faced eviction after reporting domestic violence. Learn how the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) protects tenants from retaliation, why verbal agreements don't override federal rights, and what every property manager must know to stay compliant. Avoid costly mistakes—watch now to understand your responsibilities under fair housing law.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Overview of the Case: Retaliation After Calling PoliceGet a quick summary of what happened and why this case matters.

02:25 – Domestic Violence Incident and Police InvolvementUnderstand the event that triggered the alleged retaliation.

03:09 – Immediate Retaliation: Lockout and ThreatsLearn how the property owners responded and why it's a legal concern.

05:26 – Legal Grounds: VAWA and Retaliation ExplainedGain insight into how the Violence Against Women Act protects tenants.06:31 – Lessons for Housing ProvidersHear practical takeaways to help you avoid similar violations.

In this special edition of Fair Housing Insiders, Michael, Leslie, and Kathi discuss how recent changes under the current administration are affecting HUD, FHEO, and the broader fair housing landscape. They break down how staffing cuts, shifts in DEI priorities, and reduced federal funding may impact enforcement and what property management professionals need to consider moving forward. Despite uncertainty, one thing remains clear: fair housing laws are still in effect, and staying proactive with training and compliance is more important than ever.

Key Takeaways:

00:01 – Introduction & Context

01:00 – HUD & FHEO Staffing and Funding Cuts

04:20 – Ongoing Fair Housing Obligations

08:46 – Complaint Trends in Uncertain Times

13:20 – Final Takeaways & Industry Guidance

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In this episode of Fair Housing Insiders: Case Files, we examine a campground discrimination case that resulted in a $750,000 jury verdict. The discussion highlights how the Fair Housing Act applies to non-traditional housing settings and the serious legal and financial consequences of discriminatory leasing practices. *Please note that while not stated, another family was involved in this case and was also awarded $100,000.00 for a total of $750,000.

Key Takeaways

00:00 - Case review

03:34 - Alleged discrimination charges brought to court

04:20 - The jury did not hold back!06:30 - Watch your language! Key case lessons.

What happens when a resident discriminates against your staff—especially your maintenance team? In this episode of Fair Housing Insiders, attorney Leslie Tucker breaks down what rights employees have, which laws apply (hint: it’s not always the Fair Housing Act), and what property managers must do when facing resident harassment or discriminatory behavior. Learn key policies and best practices to protect your team and maintain a respectful, compliant workplace.

Key Takeaways

Title VII vs. Fair Housing Act protections – 01:13

Dual protections for onsite maintenance staff – 02:00

Distinguishing discrimination from personality conflicts – 03:47

Responding to discriminatory resident behavior – 05:26

Residents cannot dictate staffing based on bias – 07:48

Zero-tolerance policy for harassment – 09:36

Use of a second staff member as a witness – 11:10

Importance of employee training – 08:49

Open communication with staff – 12:07

In this episode of Fair Housing Insider's Case Files, Jonathan Saar and attorney Leslie Tucker discuss the significant federal case of United States versus Rockland County and Village of Spring Valley. The case highlights the consequences of neglecting fair housing obligations, stemming from complaints about discriminatory practices in housing marketing. The discussion covers the timeline of the lawsuit, the Voluntary Compliance Agreement (VCA) established to rectify the situation, and the recent intervention by the Department of Justice due to non-compliance. The episode emphasizes the importance of ongoing accountability in fair housing practices and offers practical advice for property management professionals to ensure compliance and avoid legal risks.

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction to Fair Housing Case

01:01 Background of the Lawsuit

02:24 Voluntary Compliance Agreement and Its Implications

03:46 Department of Justice Intervention

05:38 Lessons for Property Management Professionals

07:49 Practical Advice for Property Managers

Source: https://www.justice.gov/crt/media/1385881/dl

In this episode of Fair Housing Insiders, Michael Coughlin and Kathi Williams discuss the complexities of senior housing and the Fair Housing Act. They explore age restrictions, the unique provisions for housing for older persons, and the marketing strategies necessary to navigate the 80/20 rule. The conversation emphasizes the importance of legal compliance and effective marketing in senior housing management.

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction to Senior Housing and Fair Housing Act

01:11 Understanding Age Restrictions in Senior Housing

05:30 Marketing Strategies for Senior Housing

06:11 Navigating the 80/20 Rule in Senior Housing

10:14 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In this episode of Fair Housing Insiders Case Files, host Jonathan Saar and attorney Leslie Tucker discuss a recent emergency court case regarding the termination of 78 fair housing grants by HUD. The conversation covers the implications of these cuts on fair housing organizations, the potential impact on property managers, and the current status of the case. Despite the loss of funding, the Fair Housing Act remains in effect, and property managers are urged to maintain compliance and training.

Key Takeaways: 

00:00 Introduction to Fair Housing Case

00:47 Termination of Fair Housing Grants

02:40 Impact on Fair Housing Organizations

03:30 Implications for Property Managers

05:45 Current Status of the Case

Source: https://www.relmanlaw.com/media/cases/1883_Memo%20In%20Support%20of%20Pltfs%20Emergency%20Motion%20for%20TRO.pdf

In this episode of Fair Housing Insiders, Michael Coughlin and Fair Housing Attorney Kathi Williams discuss the regulations surrounding the display of flags and decorations in residential properties. They explore the rights of property management to restrict displays, the implications for religious symbols, and the importance of consistency in enforcement. The conversation emphasizes the need for property managers to stay informed about fair housing laws and training.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Flags and Decorations in Housing

01:35 Property Management and Flag Display Regulations

04:09 Religious Symbols and Fair Housing

05:45 Conclusion and Importance of Fair Housing Training

In this episode of Fair Housing Insiders: Case Files, Jonathan Saar and Leslie Tucker discuss the case of United States vs. Airbnb, which highlights how platform policies can lead to Fair Housing Act violations, particularly regarding discrimination against families with children. They explore the legal framework of the Fair Housing Act, the responsibilities of platforms like Airbnb, and the implications of property management practices that exclude children.

Key Takeaways

00:00 Introduction to Fair Housing Issues

02:51 Case Overview: United States vs. Airbnb

05:54 Legal Framework of the Fair Housing Act

09:10 Platform Responsibilities and Liability

Source: https://www.justice.gov/crt/case/united-states-v-airbnb-nd-cal

In this episode of Fair Housing Insiders, Michael Coughlin and Fair Housing attorney Kathi Williams discuss the complexities of fair housing laws as they pertain to families with children. They explore how property managers can address issues caused by children without violating the Fair Housing Act, emphasizing the importance of creating rules that apply to all residents equally. The conversation highlights the need for proper documentation and proactive management strategies to maintain a welcoming environment for families while addressing specific behavioral issues.

Highlights:

00:02 – Introduction & Episode Focus

00:43 – Familial Status as a Protected Class

01:02 – Rules Cannot Target Children Specifically

02:16 – Addressing Specific Behavior is Okay

02:42 – Avoid Extreme Rules

04:20 – How to Properly Respond to Rule Violations

05:30 – Documentation is Key

06:26 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action