Property Management News

How to Deny a Rental Applicant Without Violating...

In property management, it’s tempting to lean on zero-tolerance screening policies. They’re fast, efficient, and feel like a safe bet against discrimination claims. But relying solely on an algorithm creates a real problem. When we prioritize a rigid “yes or no” over an actual conversation, we aren’t just being efficient—we’re often creating a legal liability and missing the human context that defines real risk. The challenge today isn’t just about who we let in, but how sophisticated and fair our process is for those we initially turn away. The Illusion of Objective Safety A common mistake in the industry is thinking that a blanket ban is a safe harbor. Many... Read more

Most operators are underestimating how much fraud is getting through their current screening process, even if they think they’ve “tightened things...

The natural instinct for any good property manager is to double-check everything. You have a duty to protect the property and follow the rules fairly for everyone on...

New York City renters are now legally entitled to clear, accessible information about whether stabilized apartments exist in their buildings. Last week, Local Law 86,...

By Nate Bernstein, Managing Attorney of LA Real Estate Law Group and Moriah Foreman, summer legal intern at LARELG. What Is Chun v. Del Cid and Why It Matters for Los...

When Customer Service Crosses the Line in...

In property management, strong customer service is often praised as the key to successful leasing and resident retention. Leasing professionals are encouraged to be personable, attentive, and helpful in guiding prospects through the decision-making process. However, it is in these well-meaning interactions that one of the most common and costly fair housing risks can emerge: steering.  Steering rarely begins as an intentional act of discrimination. More often, it develops gradually, rooted in a desire to be helpful or to “make things easier” for a prospect. Understanding how customer service instincts can quietly turn into compliance issues is critical for housing... Read more

By Nate Bernstein, Esq., Managing Attorney of LA Real Estate Law Group If you are negotiating settlement in an unlawful detainer case in Court, outside of the courtroom,...

KEY TAKEAWAYS States are introducing new rules to limit or eliminate “junk fees” in rental housing, focusing on application charges, late fees, and hidden...

Storing IDs in a drawer before verifying the identity of visitors or renters exposes both property managers and residents to serious physical dangers and security...

A rising tide of state-level action is reshaping the environment for so-called junk fees imposed by apartment landlords, marking a pronounced shift in how these...