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by Nadeen Green
 We are taking the alphabet, letter by letter,
So perhaps you can do things a little bit better
To make your communities open to all,
and not take an unexpected fair housing fall!
This month, we will look at A through M.
A is for Animals, and you can say no
To my dog, cat, or birdie, unless I can show
That this critter is truly needed by me
To manage better with my disability.
Then dog, cat or birdie is not a pet,
So accepting my service animal is a wise bet.
B is for Boa, as in the large snake,
So that you understand that you might have to take,
This reptile, or the monkey or even the horse
(The latter is a miniature one, of course),
Because these can be service animals, too.
And when appropriate they move in with you.
C is for Children, they will live with you,
Unless your residents are older – 55 to 62.
Be careful how you restrict them with your community rules,
Since perhaps except for your gyms, your spas and your pools,
Your policies should reflect the behaviors you desire,
From both the young and those with ages much higher.
D is for Damages, and oh, what the cost,
If yours is the legal position that's lost.
From punitive damages to penalties civil,
The amount you might pay could make you snivel.
Communities have lost millions in some of their cases,
Where fair housing violations have been the bases.
E is for Everyone, the message two-pronged,
All of us have protection when rights are wronged.
We each qualify, in some way, for equal opportunity,
But keep in mind, in our business, we each have liability.
Sales, management, leasing or maintenance,
Our level of employment is no legal defense.
F is for Fair Housing Poster, so let me see
Your commitment to equal housing opportunity.
The law says the poster must be in view
To those who have come to seek housing with you.
At least 11" x 14" is the size it must be,
And displayed where it is easy to see.
G is for Gender, which simply means "sex"
When we are looking at the fair housing context.
Our sleeping arrangements are not yours to ponder,
So don't even hint that in fact you may wonder
Which bedrooms will house me, or my daughter or son,
Because this is how fair housing cases are won.
H is for Hailstorm, when I want to see
What it is that you have to offer to me.
Do you take me to tour in the storm at its height,
Or how about when gloom turns into night?
Think out your plan now, and put it in writing,
So suits based on tours are not ones you are fighting.
I is for Insurance, which you may have or not.
Often communities don't know what they've got.
Don't assume you have coverage for that or for this,
It can be costly if it's fair housing coverage you miss.
Talk with your agent, read your policy through.
What it doesn't provide or cover may surprise you.
J is for Jargon, all industries have it,
Expressions we use from force of habit.
Depending on viewpoints, there are those who say,
If you use certain words, you might have to pay.
So look out for "adult" – "traditional" – and "active"
And beware as well "mature" and "exclusive."
K is for King, as in Doctor and Reverend,
Whose civil rights fight was abruptly ended.
Then Congress decided in response to enact,
For the first time ever, the Fair Housing Act.
Out of sadness and tragedy our country would see
A commitment to equal housing opportunity.
L is for Logo, the house with the roof,
And words of commitment that are the proof:
"Equal Housing Opportunity" is available here,
And to no other place, you will we steer.
Use it on ads, signs, leases and such,
A little logo whose message means much.
M is for Mothers-in-law, those bedrooms Master,
And you need to know that it's not a disaster
To say Merry Christmas at that time of year,
So no fair housing action need you to fear.
HUD has said these words are OK,
As long as all else is done the fair housing way.
We have rhymed the letters A through M,
Let me know if you have questions about any of them.
If I can't help you, it would be wise that you look
To your attorney, or a fair housing book,
For info and answers on housing opportunity.
(And next time we'll do letter N right on through to Z.)
 "Fair Housing Focus" is written by Nadeen Green, also known as The Fair Housing Lady. She gets to be Senior Counsel with For Rent Media Solutions™, which means that she is their attorney, not yours. So the information contained in this article is not to be considered legal advice. Both the author and FRMS strongly suggest that you consult with your own counsel as to any fair housing questions or problems you may have. Fair Housing Lady can be reached at
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