When you are a board member for your co-op, you have a lot of responsibilities on your plate. One of the most important ones is keeping the co-op in compliance with the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The FHA, part of the Civil Rights Act in 1968, protects certain classes...
Co-op Housing Discrimination
How to limit liability in potential harassment claims
No board wants to consider that a member of their management agency or an employee of their housing association would engage in harassment or discrimination of any kind. But if a claim proceeds to litigation, it’s crucial for housing associations to understand the law...
Can my landlord discriminate against me for being Muslim?
With refugees coming in from the Middle East, Michigan has seen an increase in Muslim populations. The good thing is that your landlord cannot discriminate against you based on your religion. You have rights as a tenant if your landlord does discriminate against you...
What is disparate impact in housing?
The Fair Housing Act has been shaping housing practices across the U.S. for half a century, but the law itself has not remained stagnant. Protected classes have been added, exceptions have been carved out and language has been clarified. One element that has received...
How to follow FHA compliance regulations
If you own an apartment building, housing complex, condominiums, rental property or other housing development, you have guidelines you must adhere to. Your building must be up to code, water, heat and electricity must be properly functioning, and you must be FHA...
Does my homeowners’ association have to comply with the ADA?
If you are on the board of a co-op or homeowners’ association, you may have concerns that your facility is out of compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. This could be a major issue for your organization, with the potential for major liability. The...
Lawsuit accuses Facebook of enabling housing discrimination
Facebook allows advertisers to target or exclude certain demographic groups within Michigan and nationwide. When applied to housing ads, this practice can amount to discrimination according to a lawsuit against the social media company from the National Fair Housing...
Suit claims Facebook allows discrimination
Facebook users in Michigan and throughout the country are supposed to have equal access to see housing ads on the site. However, a lawsuit claims that it is still possible to exclude individuals based on gender or if they have kids. It also claims that it is possible...
City may have violated Fair Housing Act
Michigan residents may be aware that it is illegal to discriminate when renting or selling property. On Nov. 28, the Justice Department announced that it was suing the city of Springfield, Illinois, for violating the Fair Housing Act. The lawsuit alleges that the city...
Sexual harassment is a housing issue
People living in Michigan co-ops generally appreciate living in a well-managed building. They expect to be able to live and conduct their lives free of harassment, fear and intimidation. Some managers or employees of the property, however, may engage in sexual...