Recording-2025-03-13T12:53:33.368Z
Fair Housing Overview
Federal Fair Housing Law: Must be followed by all states.
States can add to federal laws but cannot omit them.
Test Example: States fair housing does not trump federal; it adds protections.
Key Protections in Virginia:
Elderly status: 55 and older are protected.
Source of funds and military status.
Key Definitions and Concepts
Elderliness in Virginia: Defined as 55+ years of age; significant for test questions.
New Protections: Gender identity and sexual orientation are now recognized under federal law.
Personal Experience Story
Example of using terms like "guys" that may trigger sensitivity:
Encounter with a couple undergoing identity transition.
Importance of language sensitivity in housing situations.
Federal vs. State Fair Housing
Federal Protections: Include religion, national origin, color.
Test Question: Scenarios on violations of fair housing laws.
Exemptions to Fair Housing Laws:
Owner-occupied units with three homes or fewer.
Religious organizations and private clubs.
Situations presenting a clear danger.
Example: Homeowner preferences not falling under fair housing violations.
Rent and Roommate Situations
Female Seeking Female Roommate: Not a violation under federal law due to owner preferences.
A personal insight into why advertisers must be cautious in tenant preferences.
Denial Based on Source of Income
Denying Section 8 housing:
Allowed if the landlord owns fewer than four rental units.
For more than four units, must consider applicants from Section 8.
Fair Housing Violations
Unlawful Practices: Refusal to rent, discriminatory terms, misleading advertising are violations.
Example: Direct refusal by homeowners based on race or family status.
Blockbusting, Redlining, and Steering
Steering: Guiding potential buyers to certain demographics.
Blockbusting: Using fear to induce property sales.
Redlining: Denying loans based on location rather than individual qualifications.
Disability and Reasonable Accommodations
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against disabled individuals.
Landlords must allow modifications at the tenant's expense.
Test Question: Homeowners are not responsible for the cost of reasonable accommodations (e.g., ramps).
Fair Housing Investigation Process
Filing a Complaint: Victims have one year to file with the board, two years to file in court.
Investigation Timeline: 100 days to complete investigations of violations.
Penalties for Violations: 50,000 for first violation, 100,000 for subsequent violations; includes cease and desist orders and attorney fees.
Specific Virginia Fair Housing Regulations
Virginia Fair Housing Law: More restrictive than federal, includes military status and source of income protections.
Test Question Reminder: 55+ years defined for elderliness vs. general 65+ discounts in the community.
Resale Documents in HOAs and Condos
Immediate provision of resale documents is mandatory and not part of contingent agreements.
Landlord-Tenant Law: Applies to all residential leases; landlords must provide rules upon tenant's arrival.
Tenant and Landlord Obligations
Tenants have five days to pay overdue rent and 21 days to correct lease violations.
Landlords have 30 days to address significant repairs requested by tenants.
Summary of Utility Responsibilities
Miss Utility: Call 48 hours before any digging is required to prevent damage to underground utilities.
Colored Markings: Red (electric), yellow (gas), blue (water), orange (cables).
Condominium and Property Owner Regulations
Approval necessary from associations for significant unit changes.
New laws regarding Virginia Property Owners Associations replacing traditional HOA terms.
Ensuring that units in mixed-use developments abide by community regulations.
Final Notes
Assessments for common areas are usually included in HOA fees.
Noise regulations are critical in maintaining neighborhood harmony.
Essential knowledge for the exam includes understanding these laws and regulations.