January 2009
Newsletter
Multifamily January 2009 Newsletter
When someone files a Fair Housing complaint or lawsuit, they don’t have to prove that someone intended to discriminate. They only have to prove that illegal discrimination occurred.
Management
Doug Chasick, The CallSource Apartment Doctor, continues his quest to ensure you're doing everything you can to reach your marketing goals. This month, Doug discusses how your service team can impact you by unknowingly violating Fair Housing laws, and what you can do to protect yourself. Read Doug's article:
Marketing
Property management expert Terri Norvel shares more than 25 years of property management experience to give you the low-down on the value of customer service. Read her article:
Training
Learn the difference between case studies and projects and how student motivation plays a part in developing critical educational skills. Check out the latest article by Dr. Ann Kwinn.
Industry News
HUD Issues Guidance on the Fair Housing Act and Sexual Harrassment
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development today issued guidance under the Fair Housing Act clarifying what constitutes sexual harassment and the legal remedies available to victims of sexual harassment in housing. HUD's guidance makes clear that as long as an individual demonstrates that the harassment was unwelcome, he or she may file a claim regardless of whether they experienced the loss of a housing opportunity or tangible economic loss. Read More
NMHC Technology Investment Benchmarking Survey
Over the past decade, technology has become an integral part in shaping the apartment industry's business model, with budgets that reflect support of new technology. NMHC has published a new Information Technology Investment Benchmarking Survey to help firms make informed decisions regarding their technology spending and staffing. This NMHC members-only survey offers firms a benchmark that allows them to compare their Information Technology (IT) spending and staffing levels with those of their peers. The survey is available at
$8 million awarded in North Miami Beach shooting death
A jury in Miami-Dade County, Fla., has decided that the owners of an apartment community in North Miami Beach must pay $8 million in damages to the family of a man who was murdered in the property's parking lot two years ago. Read More
NMHC Notebook: Digital TV Transition
The nationwide transition to digital television (DTV) is almost here. Under federal law, American television stations must end their analog broadcasts and begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format on February 17, 2009. In preparation for this, multifamily owners and managers should ensure their building wiring meets the standards used today in the telecommunications industry. Click here to learn more:
