Do you have a question about housing discrimination or fair housing? Whether you are a tenant, a landlord, a real estate agent or a homebuyer, ask HOME. Feel free to call us at 513-721-4663. Calls can be anonymous. If you prefer, you may submit your question by completing the form below. We will e-mail you a response.
We do not employ lawyers, so if you have been served with a legal notice, are considering legal action, or otherwise need legal advice, we strongly advise you to contact an attorney right away.
These are some recent questions and answers.
Question: One of my tenants says she’s disabled and needs an assigned parking space near the entrance to her building. Once I assign her a space, everybody else will want one. Do I have to designate a space for her?
Answer: If a disabled person requests a change in rules, policies or practices that allows that person to use and enjoy his/her home just like your other tenants, then you must make what is called a “reasonable accommodation.” Assigned parking spaces for people with mobility impairments are common accommodations. If the need for the accommodation is not obvious, you may ask for verification of the disability and the need.
Question: A friend and her husband moved into a nice two-bedroom apartment. She suggested that I might like the complex for myself and my son, but when I called, the manager said they don’t rent to families with children. Can they do that?
Answer: Unless a complex is qualified as “senior housing” for people 55 and older, it is a violation of the federal Fair Housing Act to deny access for families with children.
Question: I have been unable to sell my 3-bedroom home, so I’m thinking of renting it out. I don’t want the place trashed. Can I limit the number of people living there or charge a higher security deposit if I rent to a family that has young children?
Answer: Owners can set reasonable occupancy limits. Two people per bedroom generally is considered reasonable. For a 3-bedroom house, that would be 6 people, whether adults or children. Charging higher security deposits or rent based on children in the household or the age of children would be illegal housing discrimination against families with children.
Question: I’m the listing agent for a nice house in an integrated neighborhood. A white woman at the Open House said she really liked the house, but her buyer’s agent told her it was a bad neighborhood and was not good for families. I’m furious, but what can I do?
Answer: The illegal practice of “steering” occurs when a real estate agent limits housing choices by discouraging home buyers based on the racial composition of a neighborhood. Both you and the homeowner could have a claim for damages if the buyer’s agent engaged in illegal steering. We suggest you contact HOME or a fair housing agency in your area to help gather evidence that the agent is steering and discuss enforcement options.
Ask your question. One of our representatives will respond as soon as possible.