Washington, D.C. – December 28, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — HUD proposed a new fair housing rule this past fall that provides guidance on “quid pro quo” and hostile environment harassment. This occurs when an individual in a protected class –relating to race, sex and disability – is subjected to unwelcome demands as a condition of their housing or when they are exposed to conduct that interferes with their ability to enjoy housing.
However, the rule sets out standards for direct and indirect liability that would apply across HUD’s fair housing actions. As a result, NMHC/NAA joined other housing organizations in cautioning HUD against the proposal because it would expand liability beyond U.S. Supreme Court precedent in this area.
We emphasized that this could subject housing providers to increased liability for the wrongful acts of third-parties acting without the provider’s knowledge. In addition, we questioned the need for regulation in this area, urging the agency to develop guidance on other fair housing issues where there is uncertainty like disparate impact.
