A DC landlord recently paid a $700,000 settlement in a source of income discrimination involving housing vouchers. However, rather than discriminating against tenants withe vouchers, DC alleged that the landlord favored those tenants because the vouchers paid higher rent that was permitted under DC's rent control law. This case highlights how rent control eventually can harm the rental housing market by interfering with the natural real estate economic cycle, which addresses both escalating rents and housing shortages by adding rental units to the market. Read the blog to learn more about how rent control can harm housing markets and communities and isn't the best way to address rent increases.
Read MoreMultifamily landlords should ensure that community rules are necessary for safety and tenant enjoyment of their homes and do not discourage families with children from living there.
Read MoreIn April the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other fair housing agencies and organizations commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the Fair Housing Act.
Read MoreThe U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia doesn’t only apply to employment relationships. The decision also clarifies that the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity.
Read MoreIt's unfortunate when young musicians are pigeonholed into instrument selection based upon gender stereotypes. Those stereotypes eventually result in gender imbalances in professional orchestras. However, it's illegal to stereotype multifamily residents based upon gender and other attributes. Now, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals has held it violates the Fair Housing Act to establish an amenity use schedule based upon gender stereotypes.
Read MoreMusicians need to practice their instruments, both to learn music and to hone their craft. For those living next door, even professional musicians’ practice may not be “music to the ears.” As a result, it is not unheard of for professional musicians to find themselves in disputes with neighbors or landlords.
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