New HUD Guidelines for renting to persons with Limited English Proficiency.

“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.” ― Audre Lorde

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has had quite a busy 2016.  Over the course of the year, HUD has published a number of new guidelines for common violations to the Federal Fair Housing Act, including guidelines for renting to persons with Limited English Proficiency, who represent nine percent of the United States population.

Why did HUD issue guidelines for renting to persons with Limited English Proficiency? A requirement within a rental application for US citizenship or a certain immigration status discriminates based on National Origin, and  is in violation of the Fair Housing Act.  Additionally, discriminating based on a person’s primary language, or having a policy of only renting to persons who speak only certain languages, shows intentional discrimination based on National Origin because people of other nationalities are often identified by the languages they speak fluently. So, any advertising, notices or statements and policies that have these types of restrictions on language will most likely violate the Act.

Be sure you are on the right side of the line when it comes to compliance with Federal and Local Fair Housing laws. Your Real Property Management Lehigh Valley professionals have the knowledge and skills to help you navigate these issues and keep your home leased to a quality and qualified renter while ensuring you are compliant with all rental housing laws.