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Managing your own Properties ~A Global RE Investors Club Mega-Forum~ Presented by: PROJECT SENTINEL Fair Housing Ann Marquart, Executive Director
Managing your own
Properties
~A Global RE Investors Club Mega-Forum~
Presented by:
PROJECT SENTINEL
Fair Housing
Ann Marquart, Executive Director
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Project Sentinel Services
Fair Housing / Discrimination
Landlord / Tenant Counseling
Mediation & Dispute Resolution
Housing Counseling (Below-Market Rate)
1st Time Homebuyers
Mortgage Default & Delinquency
888-FAIR-HOUSING (324-7468)
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PS Offices & Service Areas
888-FAIR-HOUSING (324-7468)
Fremont 39155 Liberty Street, Ste. D440
Fremont, CA 94538
Phone (510) 574-2270 (TL and HUD)
Phone (510) 574-2279 (FH)
Fax (510) 574-2275
Santa Clara 1490 El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Phone (408) 720-9888
Fax (408) 720-0810
Redwood City 1615 Hudson St, Suite A
Redwood City, CA 94061
Phone (650) 321-6291
Fax (650) 321-4173
Gilroy 7800 Arroyo Circle, Bldg. A
Gilroy, CA 95020
Phone (408) 842-7740
Fax (408) 842-8054
Modesto 1231 8th Street, Suite 425
Modesto, CA 95354
Phone (209) 236-1577
Fax (209) 236-1578
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The Law
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Who’s Protected from
Discrimination?
A “protected category” is a group of
persons whom the fair housing laws
protect from discrimination.
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Protected Categories
a. Race/Color
b. National Origin
c. Religion
d. Gender
e. Disability
f. Familial Status
1. Federal
a. Marital Status
b. Sexual Orientation
c. Age
d. Source of Income
e. Arbitrary
2. State
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Disability
What is a disability?
– A physical or mental impairment that limits one or
more of a person’s major life activities.
– A record of having, or being perceived as having such
an impairment.
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Reasonable Accommodations
(RAs)
– A change in rules, policies, practices, or services which may be necessary to enable a person with a disability an equal opportunity to obtain, use and enjoy his or her home.
Simply put: an exception.
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RA Examples
• Service or companion
animal
• Break Lease
• Large-print signs
• Caretaker or live-in aid
• Parking spaces
• Transfers
• Extensions
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Reasonable Modifications
(RMs)
– Same as RAs, except a physical change to the unit.
– Tenant pays for modification (unless federally funded
property – not Sec. 8).
– Landlord can reasonably require a return to original
condition (wear and tear excepted) if the RM would be
unacceptable to a new tenant.
– Landlord cannot increase the security deposit.
– Landlord has the right to approve plans and ensure a
workmanlike product.
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RM Examples
* Lift
* Ramp
* Grab bars
* Doorway widening
* Making leg room for a
wheelchair
* Lever handles on
faucets or doors
* Lowering mailbox or
peep hole
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Familial Status
It is illegal to discriminate against a household because
of the presence of a minor
Qualified senior housing is exempt
Common types
– Advertising: “No children or pets”
– Statements: “There are no other kids here.”
– Different Terms and Conditions: requiring extra deposit
– Steering to ground floor units
Noise – Tenant has the right to choose.
Safety – If something is unsafe, it should be fixed.
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Questions
