The Mrs. Murphy exemption to the Fair Housing Act applies to homeowners who rent out rooms in a residence where they reside. However, the exemption doesn't apply to all rentals or all discriminatory acts. Plus state and local laws may not recognize a Mrs. Murphy exemption.
Read MoreWhile rent control might limit the harsh impact of rent increases on tenants in the short run, rent control also can impede changes required for the industry to adapt to a new economic reality.
Read MoreAppraising a home for a lower value because of the race, religion, national origin, or other protected status of the owners violates the Fair Housing Act.
Read MoreDid you know scammers can steal your home? Read about this scam and how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
Read MoreReal estate rental scams are on the rise, but scam listings frequently can be identified if prospective tenants conduct basic due diligence.
Read MoreHUD recently charged a Kansas landlord with discrimination for requiring unnecessary documentation of a prospective tenant's need for an assistance animal. Learn what HUD claims the Kansas landlord did wrong and how what housing providers may (and may not) require from tenants requesting accommodations for an assistance animal.
Read MoreBorrowers should conduct due diligence on their mortgage broker and lender and ensure their loan terms are in market range before proceeding with a refinance.
Read MoreIn Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid, the U.S. Supreme Court held that California's law requiring agricultural land owners to permit union organizers onto their land for up to 360 hours per year is unconstitutional. This labor law case may support similar claims that the CDC eviction moratorium was not just beyond the CDC's statutory authority but also was unconstitutional. Although the CDC eviction moratorium is over, Cedar Point serves as a cautionary tale for states and local governments wanted to impose similar moratoriums.
Read MoreThe CDC Eviction Moratorium protected tenants from eviction until the U.S. Supreme Court ended it on August 26, 2021. However, the Moratorium's requirements didn’t protect tenants from rent increases. And because the Moratorium lacked standards to determine what tenants can afford and doesn't require them to provide financial documents, some tenants may have falsely claimed eligibility. This article serves as a cautionary tale about loopholes and pitfalls of COVID-19 eviction moratoriums generally.
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.
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