NEW Fair Housing Guidance Amidst COVID-19
NAR has just released more comprehensive guidance to help REALTORS® comply with their Fair Housing obligations during the COVID-19 outbreak. The new guidance answers these questions related to providing real estate services:
- What anti-discrimination laws apply to housing during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Are individuals who have COVID-19 covered under the national origin protections of the federal Fair Housing Act?
- Are individuals who have COVID-19 covered under the disability protections of the federal Fair Housing Act?
- Can I ask someone if they have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or if they have had known or potential exposures to the virus before providing services to them?
- May I require an individual complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire before working with an individual?
- Am I obligated to assist or show or provide housing to someone who has or may have COVID-19?
- What constitutes a “reasonable accommodation”?
- What should I do if my proposed reasonable accommodation is rejected?
- What general safety precautions should I take when providing services?
The guidance is published and available for download on NAR’s website: https://www.nar.realtor/coronavirus-a-guide-for-realtors.
Posted by: Byron King on 05/07/20 (This information is only accurate as of 05/07/20. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 05/07/20 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email Byron)