Fair Housing Compliance Checklist

Ensure your real estate business stays legally sound! Download our comprehensive Fair Housing Compliance Checklist - your essential guide to avoiding costly violations and fostering inclusive practices. Protect your business and your clients with this vital resource.

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Advertising & Marketing

1 of 9

Ensuring all advertising and marketing materials comply with Fair Housing laws. This includes online, print, and other forms of communication.

Review all advertising copy for prohibited phrases or imagery.

Which advertising platforms are used? (Select all that apply)

If 'Other' selected above, please specify advertising platforms.

Upload examples of recent advertising materials (images, online ads, print ads).

Does advertising explicitly or implicitly target specific demographic groups?

If 'Yes' selected above, explain the targeting strategy and its justification. (Consult legal counsel)

Are keywords used in online advertising compliant with Fair Housing guidelines?

If 'No' or 'Reviewed by Legal/Compliance' selected, describe keywords used and justification (if any).

Client Intake & Application Process

2 of 9

Reviewing processes for handling inquiries, applications, and tenant screening to prevent discriminatory practices.

Source of Inquiry?

Notes Regarding Initial Inquiry (e.g., family size, financial situation)

Assistance Requested?

Household Size (Number of People)

Date Application Received

Reason for Moving?

Notes Regarding Application Process (e.g., questions asked, assistance provided)

Sales & Rental Policies & Practices

3 of 9

Examining sales and rental practices to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all prospective clients.

Describe your written sales/rental policy regarding occupancy standards.

Explain how you handle requests for reasonable accommodations related to pets (e.g., service animals, emotional support animals).

Which of the following factors are *never* considered in tenant selection?

What is the maximum number of occupants allowed per unit based on applicable regulations?

Describe your procedure for demonstrating that any criteria used for tenant selection are directly related to a legitimate business interest.

How are requests for modifications or improvements to the property handled?

Describe how your staff is instructed to respond to inquiries about the availability of units with specific accessibility features.

Client Interactions & Communications

4 of 9

Monitoring interactions between staff and clients to identify and address any potential discriminatory behavior or unintentional bias.

Describe your company's communication protocols for responding to inquiries from potential clients.

Do you have a script or guidance for agents when discussing financing options with clients?

Describe how agents are instructed to handle questions about schools or neighborhood characteristics.

Are agents prohibited from steering clients towards or away from specific neighborhoods?

Which of the following topics are agents trained to avoid discussing during client interactions? (Select all that apply)

Describe how agents are trained to respond to potentially discriminatory client statements or questions.

Is there a documented process for escalating concerns about potential discrimination to a supervisor or manager?

Record Keeping & Documentation

5 of 9

Establishing and maintaining thorough records to demonstrate compliance with Fair Housing laws.

Last Fair Housing Training Date

Summary of Fair Housing Training Content

Copy of Fair Housing Policy

Number of Fair Housing Complaints Received (Past Year)

Summary of Complaint Resolution Process

Data Points Tracked for Demographic Analysis (to ensure no disparate impact)

Description of Process for Monitoring Advertising Channels for Compliance

Date of Last Record Keeping Audit

Training & Education

6 of 9

Providing ongoing training to all employees and agents on Fair Housing laws and best practices.

Training Program Description

Last Training Date

Number of Employees Trained

Topics Covered in Training

Training Materials (Presentations, Handouts)

Next Scheduled Training Date

Training Delivery Method

Summary of Key Fair Housing Concepts Reinforced

Accessibility Compliance (ADA)

7 of 9

Addressing requirements related to accessibility for individuals with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Does the property have accessible parking spaces?

Number of accessible units available (if applicable)

Are common areas accessible to individuals with disabilities (e.g., ramps, elevators)?

Describe any accessibility modifications or accommodations made to the property.

Does the property comply with accessible signage requirements?

Upload photos/documentation of accessible features (e.g., ramps, accessible restrooms).

Are accessible units offered to individuals with disabilities when applying?

Language Access

8 of 9

Providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

Does your company offer translation services for key documents (applications, leases, disclosures)?

Which languages are commonly spoken in your service area that require accessibility considerations?

If 'Other' was selected in the previous question, please specify the language(s) and approximate percentage of clients who speak it.

Do you have a designated process for handling inquiries and communications in languages other than English?

Describe your process for providing language assistance (e.g., interpreters, translated documents).

Upload copies of translated lease agreements or other key documents, if available.

Complaint Handling & Resolution

9 of 9

Establishing a clear process for receiving, investigating, and resolving Fair Housing complaints.

Describe the Complaint Handling Process

Date Complaint Received

Complainant Information (Name, Contact Details)

Summary of Complaint Received

Complaint Type (e.g., Discrimination, Harassment, Retaliation)

Investigation Steps Taken

Date Investigation Completed

Resolution/Outcome of Complaint

Complaint Status

Signature of Person Resolving Complaint

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