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In the September 2012 lesson, Fair Housing Coach reviews fair housing requirements with respect to older applicants and residents. Aging is not a protected characteristic under federal fair housing law, but there are many ways in which communities could face fair housing problems when dealing with older applicants and residents. Here are some tips from the September lesson:

Fair housing was on the table at the National Apartment Association’s annual Educational Conference & Exposition held in Boston last month. Among the many educational sessions were presentations by Fair Housing Coach Advisory Board members on key fair housing challenges faced by rental housing owners and managers. Here are some highlights:

Q: Even though federal fair housing law doesn’t ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, a community could face a fair housing complaint if it treats applicants or residents differently because of their sexual orientation. True or false?

In the July Fair Housing Coach, we take an in-depth look at some recent court rulings from around the country involving fair housing disputes. The people and particulars of each case may be unique, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t learn something by examining the details of each story like a detective. By reviewing the clues about what happened—and why—you can gain insight into how to handle similar problems that could arise in your community at any time.

For example, take The Case of the Barking Dog:

In its June 2012 lesson, Fair Housing Coach takes a look at a “hot topic” in fair housing circles—the use of criminal background checks in screening prospective residents.

Question: A male resident has reported that your maintenance man has been sexually harassing him. Your community could be liable for sexual harassment if you fail to take appropriate action to investigate and resolve the complaint. True or false?

Answer: True. Federal fair housing law protects both men and women from sex discrimination, including same-sex sexual harassment. Whether motivated by sexual desire or by hostility toward a particular gender, sexual harassment is unlawful—even if the harasser and the victim are of the same sex.

The May 2012 Fair Housing Coach explains how to ensure compliance with fair housing laws when providing maintenance and repair services in multifamily housing communities.

In honor of Fair Housing Month, the April 2012 Fair Housing Coach tackles some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about fair housing law in conventional multifamily housing communities. Here are seven of the 17 FAQs from the April issue, available on our homepage:

Last fall, the Justice Department issued new ADA rules that take full effect on March 15, 2012. Among other things, the new rules adopt scoping provisions establishing accessible design standards, including standards on making swimming pools, exercise clubs, and other recreation facilities accessible for individuals with disabilities.

In our March 2012 lesson, Fair Housing Coach explains how to meet the disability-related needs of individuals with mobility impairments under fair housing law. Communities should expect increased demand to meet those requirements with the influx of returning veterans—many with service-related disabilities—as well as the predicted increase in age-related disabilities of baby boomers and their parents.