Whether you own or operate market rate or affordable rental housing, if you are using crime records to screen prospective tenants, you could be violating the federal Fair Housing Act (“FHAct”).
Following on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on “disparate impact” in 2015, HUD’s Office of General Counsel issued guidance earlier this year confirming that the use of crime records as part of a tenant vetting process violates the FHAct by creating a disparate impact on minorities, who are arrested and convicted in disproportionate numbers compared to the general population.
So, what specifically is prohibited under the FHAct and HUD’s crime screening guidance? Listen to this informative webinar recording, as Harry Kelly and Lorrie O’ Connor dive into crime screening, covering topics including:
Harry Kelly, a Nixon Peabody partner, participated in briefing last year’s Supreme Court disparate impact decision and has spoken widely on HUD’s new crime screening rule. Lorrie O’Connor is the Vice President for Affordable Housing at The Benchmark Group, with deep experience in resolving tough property management issues.
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