I am always gratified to receive comments from Fair Housing Defense blog readers. Many enjoy the light and breezy writing style involving what could be, shall we say, a dry topic. Some, however, are a little less kind – one reader last week thought I didn’t know what I was talking about, and used a colorful metaphor. Which is fine and why I don’t publish the comments. Got to love the internet. In any event, several readers have asked me similar questions, so I thought I would try to use this post to provide some answers:
- I represent apartment management, ownership, trade associations, and/or apartment leasing professional employees. I have taken what is called a “positional conflict” to only represent one side. My point is that I want my clients to know that while I am defending them against allegations of discrimination in one matter, I am not pressing similar claims for another client in a different case. Residents needing representation can look to local fair housing advocacy groups as well as HUD, state, or city officials.
- Yes, in addition to defending cases, I also do fair housing training and compliance. Ensuring our employees know and follow the law is one of the best ways to really avoid needing to speak with a lawyer like me after a formal discrimination complaint is filed. Saying “I did not know the law” never works as a defense to a claim. Trust me on that.
- Even if a resident has provided you with appropriate medical verification in support of a service or emotional support animal, that animal (and its owner) must still follow the rules of your community. A service or emotional support animal is not permitted to howl long into the night, bite other residents, and/or urinate (or worse!) throughout the property. A resident may indeed be entitled to a service animal, but that resident is still required to clean up after the dog. In short, no animal can be a direct threat to other residents, property employees, or to the community itself. Also, remember that while there are no breed or size restrictions on service or companion animals, always engage with your residents in an effort to solve any issues before they become formal problems.
- Many of my clients are continuing to question emotional support animal verifications that appear to be purchased with a credit card over the internet without any legitimate medical evaluation. Indeed, I have had a couple of doctors let me know that they will not write medical verifications for patients simply attempting to avoid pet fees. An interesting trend, but I am sure there will be much more to come on this point.
- While a number of President Trump’s cabinet selections have been confirmed, there are other nominations (including that of Dr. Ben Carson to lead the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) that remain pending. As the Senate will be in recess next week, it appears likely Dr. Carson will have to wait until the end of February or even early March for a final vote by the Senate. I have not seen active opposition to Dr. Carson such that his nomination is in trouble, only that it is taking longer than I would have expected following his confirmation hearing.
Just A Thought.