Resident Manager Fair Housing Education and Prevention

When taking on the roll of Resident Manager, you are taking on the responsibility to act on behalf of the owner or Management Company. As such, any violations of state or local laws will have a direct impact on the owner / manager and yourself. Fines can be up to $50,000 for the first offence.

Apartment Management Services would like to educate you to prevent potential litigation and legal or physical harm to you and the owner. As you read through the following you are encouraged to ask any questions along the way. Ask Questions?

Prospect: A person inquiring into leasing or renting a home or apartment.

When a prospect is making an inquiry, it is important to stick to the features and amenities of the apartment. For example, the apartment is two bedroom two bath with washer dryer hook-ups, fireplace, and patio or balcony. The community has covered parking and a laundry center. Discuss the rental rates, security deposit, application fees and qualifying criteria.

Apartment Management Services does not discriminate based on race, creed, color, marital status, handicap status or sexual orientation.

Our initial income qualification is rent has to be no greater than 38% of household income. We do not have special accommodations for violent criminal offenders and each community participates in the Crime Free Program.

Our total move in cost is $535. This includes application fees, first 30 days of rent, and security deposit.

Steering: The process of directing a prospect to another community based on supposed need.

Discrimination: The act of denying residency based on race, creed, color, martial statues, handicap and sexual orientation.

Ask the prospect if they prefer an upstairs or downstairs apartment. This answer is entirely their decision. The moment one suggests another apartment based on supposed need you are steering which is a major violation of the law and the most common mistake. For example: A family has three kids wants to live in an upstairs apartment but you suggest a downstairs apartment because you know the noise would be too great. Or, a person with a leg injury wants to rent in a second floor apartment. To be nice you suggest a downstairs unit. In both cases you are steering and could be sued.

The point is you can tell the prospect what is available but not direct a prospect to another apartment or community.

However, we do follow Federal Fair Housing Guidelines which recommend no more than 5 people in a two bedroom apartment and no more than 3 in a one bedroom.

Applications:

Have an application ready for every adult over 18 years age to apply. With Apartment Management Services, most applicants submit applications on line. Be sure to collect the application fee at the same time as the applications are submitted.

• Application fee: $35
• Holding Deposit for up to two weeks: $100 collected after application is approved.
• Balance of fees due at move in along with Phoenix Revitalization requirements.

DO NOT ACCEPT CASH. Under no circumstances are you to take cash. If the resident claims they gave you cash and are lying, the money will come out of your pocket.

Deposits:

When you receive rents do not keep the checks in your apartment. Take them to the bank. When people see you regularly make trips to the bank they will know that you do not keep money in your apartment. They will also know you do not carry cash.

Showing an apartment:

Apartment Management Services want to keep you safe. Here are some important tips:

1. Do not allow residents or prospects to enter your apartment. Always show them a model.
2. Do not show an apartment after sunset.
3. If you feel unsafe, walk away.
4. When opening the door, do not leave your keys in the door.
5. Open the model apartment and stand in the living room leaving the door open and unlocked. Do not enter the back bedrooms or the bedrooms. Invite the prospect to look around.

Work Orders:

When receiving a work order enter them into the Apartment Management Services system. This will provide order for your service team and will provide evidence a work order was submitted.

You are expected to know and understand this Fair Housing Education and Prevention. Apartment Management Services will be testing periodically in our ongoing education program.