How can my association avoid FHA violations?
I was recently asked by an association board if I had any suggestions as to how they might be able to prevent discrimination complaints under the Fair Housing Act as an Association. I’m sure many condominium and homeowner associations are wondering this very thing as associations can be saddled with discrimination complaints at any time from current members or perspective members who wish to buy in the community.
While discrimination complaints can rise from any association action that members or perspective members perceive as discriminatory, some of the most common discrimination complaints involve the refusal to fulfill a disabled persons parking request. There are three common pitfalls in the arena of discrimination as it relates to the Fair Housing Act: 1) inadequately fulfilled parking space request; 2) receiving discriminatory context such as raising fees during a sale and; 3) design and construction violations. Associations are best advised to consult with a condominium/community association attorney concerning ways to avoid these problems.