Tag Archives: Fair Housing Laws

A Landlord’s Guide to Surviving a Visit From a Fair Housing Tester

How to Survive a Fair Housing Tester Visit A Landlord's Guide

No family or individual should fall victim to housing discrimination, but unfortunately, it happens from time to time. That said, when you own a rental property, there are specific protocols that you must follow. For example, the 1968 Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination against tenants. In addition, housing discrimination claims can have tremendous legal and […]

What is the Fair Criminal Screening for Housing Act

What is the Fair Criminal Screening for Housing Act

Landlords should be no stranger to the laws and guidelines of the federal Fair Housing Act. These laws ensure that tenants in protected classes do not face discrimination throughout the housing industry. However, Fair Housing Laws are not the only regulations that owners must be aware of. While creating standard qualification and screening processes, rental […]

What is the Housing Justice Act and What Does it Mean for Landlords?

What is the Housing Justice Act and What Does it Mean for Landlords

Although communities throughout Maryland have faced a shortage of affordable housing for some time, the COVID pandemic only exacerbated the situation. In response, Montgomery County Council members Evan Glass and Sidney Katz introduced the Housing Justice Act. Thus, creating more opportunities to combat housing discrimination and open doorways for individuals and families alike. For landlords, […]

Staying Up to Date on Pennsylvania and Federal Fair Housing Laws

Staying Up to Date on Pennsylvania and Federal Fair Housing Laws

While it should go without saying that no individual or family should become a victim of housing discrimination – it can and does happen. As a landlord, housing discrimination claims can have devastating legal and financial consequences. Therefore, understanding the origins and rules of the Fair Housing Act is necessary. These federal fair housing laws […]

Should You Accept Housing Choice Voucher Applicants in Your Rental?

Should You Accept Housing Choice Voucher Applicants in Your Rental

Housing Choice Vouchers are often misunderstood, and some landlords are unfamiliar with the program’s process and requirements. As with any decision, landlords have, there are downsides. However, as affordable housing continues to be harder and harder to find, property owners may find several advantages to participating in the program. After all, any opportunity to expand […]

Tenant Screening Policies to Avoid Fair Housing Violations

Tenant Screening Policies to Avoid Fair Housing Violations

Tenant screening is a landlord’s best defense against potential problem tenants. However, it is also a process that opens property owners up to major liability if Fair Housing Laws are not carefully followed. In this day and age, lack of knowledge is not a defense. So, landlords must learn and adhere to all federal, state, […]

Housing Voucher Requirements for Baltimore City Landlords

Housing Voucher Requirements for Baltimore City Landlords

  Housing voucher programs help eligible households afford rental housing. Maryland law generally prohibits housing discrimination based on lawful sources of income, including housing vouchers, subject to applicable exemptions. Baltimore City landlords must understand these protections and the requirements for a voucher-assisted tenancy. At BMG, we accept lawful sources of income, including housing vouchers, where […]

How to Show Rental Properties and Pre-Screen Tenants Before Showings

How to Show Rental Properties and Prequalify Tenants Before Showings

  For landlords, the goal is relatively simple; find a well-qualified tenant who will care for your property and pay rent on time. That is sometimes easier said than done, but finding the right person starts at the first contact. So, if you take the time to pre-qualify tenants before showings, ask the right questions, […]

Changing Rental Qualifications Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

rental qualifications after COVID

Screening tenants is a tedious but necessary part of the leasing process for your Lancaster rental property. Without a careful screening process, you open your property up to trouble tenants, vacancies, and potential evictions. However, landlords have many questions surrounding rental qualifications due to COVID-19. Everyone agrees the COVID-19 pandemic has added challenges to landlords […]

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Glen Burnie Property Management

avoid property management mistakes

Landlords have a lot on their plate. That said, there are some common and avoidable mistakes Anne Arundel County landlords make. It’s important to know you are not alone, reaching out to a Glen Burnie property management firm to assist may be the best way to ensure you get the most out of your investment. […]