Holiday Fair Housing Check List
The holiday season can be a joyous time for communities, but for property management professionals, it also presents unique challenges. Balancing festive cheer with the requirements of fair housing compliance and inclusivity is no small task.
Inspections may uncover non-compliance in resident decorations, while staff communication could inadvertently reflect language that alienates or excludes some residents. Addressing these issues promptly and thoughtfully is critical to fostering a harmonious, welcoming environment for everyone.
So, as the holidays quickly approach, take a few minutes and use this list that offers clear, actionable steps to see if your holiday plans are fair housing friendly.
Holiday Fair Housing Compliance Checklist
Use this checklist to address non-compliance discovered during inspections, reinforce inclusive practices among residents and employees, and ensure compliance with fair housing laws during the holiday season.
#1. Addressing Resident Non-Compliance with Decorations
☐ Evaluate All Resident Decorations:
Confirm all decorations comply with established community policies (e.g., size, safety, and placement rules).
☐ Issue Written Notices for Non-Compliance:
Politely inform residents of any violations with clear instructions for corrections.
Avoid specifying or targeting decorations based on cultural or religious themes.
☐ Provide Policy Reminders:
Reiterate decoration rules and highlight their purpose (e.g., safety, neutrality, and inclusivity).
#2. Correcting Employee Language and Behavior
☐ Review Recent Employee Communication:
Identify instances of non-inclusive language (e.g., “Merry Christmas” instead of “Happy Holidays” or comments favoring specific traditions).
Address any language that could be perceived as discriminatory or dismissive of resident concerns.
☐ Hold Immediate Staff Training:
Reinforce the importance of neutral, inclusive language during the holiday season.
Use real examples from inspections to illustrate best practices and areas for improvement.
☐ Provide Approved Scripts:
Distribute a list of inclusive phrases (e.g., “Holiday Celebration” instead of “Christmas Party”) for staff to use in resident interactions and promotional materials.
#3. Ensuring Common Area Compliance
☐ Inspect Common Areas for Neutral Decorations:
Remove any overtly religious or cultural displays unless balanced by representations of other traditions. Replace non-compliant decorations with universally festive, secular items (e.g., snowflakes, lights, or wreaths).
☐ Verify Event Inclusivity:
Ensure holiday events are advertised as open to all residents and reflect diverse traditions.
Avoid promotional materials or language that may exclude or discourage participation from any group.
☐ Reissue Common Area Policies:
Communicate policies regarding the use of community spaces, emphasizing fairness and inclusivity.
#4. Managing Complaints Effectively
☐ Log All Complaints:
Document complaints about decorations, language, or resident interactions, ensuring thorough records.
☐ Investigate Promptly and Impartially:
Address each complaint seriously, even if it appears minor or subjective. Discuss outcomes with all relevant parties and provide a clear explanation of resolutions.
☐ Educate Staff on Complaint Sensitivity:
Emphasize the importance of respectful listening and professional responses when addressing resident concerns.
#5. Reinforcing Compliance Year-Round
☐ Regular Policy Reviews:
Schedule quarterly reviews of decoration and language policies to maintain compliance and inclusivity.
☐ Continuous Staff Training:
Incorporate holiday compliance scenarios into ongoing fair housing training programs.
☐ Promote Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives:
Encourage year-round activities and practices that celebrate the community’s cultural and religious diversity.
The holiday season offers property managers a unique opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity and Fair Housing compliance. By ensuring that all written and verbal communication reflects fair housing principles, you create a foundation of respect and equality within your community.
Use inspections and complaints not just as problem-solving tasks but as teachable moments to educate residents and staff about the importance of inclusivity. Maintain detailed records of all actions taken to address non-compliance to uphold accountability and provide legal protection.
By following this checklist, you can confidently navigate holiday challenges while fostering a welcoming, compliant environment for all residents—ensuring the season remains a time of joy and unity for everyone.
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