June 2011 Coach's Quiz
We have given you 10 rules for conducting fair housing training. Now let's look at how the rules might apply in the real world. Take the COACH's Quiz to see what you have learned.
INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the following questions has only one correct answer. On a separate piece of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you think is correct—for example, (1)b, (2)a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!
QUESTION #1
Since most fair housing claims involve the leasing process, it's only important to train your leasing staff on fair housing requirements.
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True.
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False.
QUESTION #2
Everyone should know that housing discrimination is wrong, so there's no need to explain fair housing law to new employees.
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True.
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False.
QUESTION #3
Federal fair housing law hasn't changed in decades, so it's unnecessary to require experienced employees to attend formal training more than once.
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True.
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False.
QUESTION #4
Since federal fair housing law applies to virtually all communities, it's only important for employees to learn about federal requirements.
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True.
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False.
QUESTION #5
Because it's the most common type of formal fair housing complaint, you should spend extra time to ensure that employees understand disability-related fair housing rules.
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True.
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False.
QUESTION #6
You could get into trouble if an employee answers a question about how many African Americans live at your community, even if the question comes from an African-American prospect.
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True.
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False.
QUESTION #7
Employees should learn to stay away from asking or commenting about a prospect's personal appearance, even if it's only in casual conversation.
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True.
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False.
QUESTION #8
Out of concern for the safety of young children, you are justified in training your leasing staff to avoid showing units near the lake to families with children.
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True.
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False.
QUESTION #9
Train your staff to provide all prospects, applicants, and residents with the same information—in the same way—about your community rules—and the consequences of breaking them.
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True.
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False.
QUESTION #10
Detailed records about your fair housing training program could help in your defense if your community ever faces a fair housing complaint.
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True.
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False.
Coach's Answers and Explanations
QUESTION #1
Correct answer: b
Reason: Rule #1 applies here:
Rule #1:
Include All Employees in Fair Housing Training
DON'T Focus Solely on Leasing Staff
When planning fair housing training, it's natural to think of your leasing consultants, but you should include all employees because, whatever their job, they represent your community while interacting with members of the public, as well as prospects, applicants, residents, or their guests.
QUESTION #2
Correct answer: b
Reason: Rule #2 applies here:
Rule #2:
DO Train New Hires Before They Deal with the Public
DON'T Get New Hires to Work ASAP
Before they are allowed to interact with the public, new hires should receive training in your community's policies and procedures as well the basics of fair housing law.
QUESTION #3
Correct answer: b
Reason: Rule #3 applies here:
Rule #3:
DO Schedule Training Sessions at Least Annually
DON'T Assume Once Is Enough for Formal Training
Even experienced employees should attend periodic training sessions to ensure that everyone understands the rules and knows how to apply them consistently.
QUESTION #4
Correct answer: b
Reason: Rule #4 applies here:
Rule #4:
DO Cover Federal, State, and Local Fair Housing Laws
DON'T Focus Solely on Federal Law
In addition to federal fair housing law, many communities must comply with state and local laws that have extended protection based on marital status, age, source of income, and many other attributes.
QUESTION #5
Correct answer: a
Reason: Rule #5 applies here:
Rule #5:
DO Thoroughly Explain Disability-Related Fair Housing Rules
DON'T Confuse Federal Requirements on Disability
Pay particular attention to fair housing provisions on disability—the most frequent source of formal fair housing complaints. Among other things, employee training should cover who does—and does not—fall within the FHA's definition of an individual with a disability, when housing providers may request disability-related information, and how to recognize and handle requests for a reasonable accommodation.
QUESTION #6
Correct answer: a
Reason: Rule #6 applies here:
Rule #6:
DO Describe Desirable Property Features
DON'T Discuss Personal Attributes of Prospects or Residents
Train employees to avoid discussing the personal attributes of your residents when talking to prospects, regardless of who brings up the subject.
QUESTION #7
Correct answer: a
Reason: Rule #7 applies here:
Rule #7:
DO Limit Small Talk to Neutral Subjects
DON'T Make Comments on Personal Attributes
Employees could inadvertently trigger a fair housing complaint during a casual conversation if they ask questions or make comments about a prospect's appearance, disability, or other personal attributes.
QUESTION #8
Correct answer: b
Reason: Rule #8 applies here:
Rule #8:
DO Find Out What Prospects Want
DON'T Act on What You Think They Want
Doing anything to limit a prospect's housing choices based on your assumptions about what would be best for his children amounts to unlawful steering.
QUESTION #9
Correct answer: a
Reason: Rule #9 applies here:
Rule #9:
DO Enforce Lease Terms, Rules Consistently
DON'T Single Out Some Prospects for Lease, Rule Violations
Train employees to explain community policies and rules to all prospects, applicants, and residents so they understand what's expected and the consequences of failing to meet those requirements.
QUESTION #10
Correct answer: a
Reason: Rule #10 applies here:
Rule #10:
DO Maintain Good Records
DON'T Ignore Paperwork or Discard Records Prematurely
Detailed records about your fair housing training program could help in your defense by showing your good-faith efforts to ensure that all your employees—from property managers to maintenance staff—understand and follow the law.
See The Lesson For This Quiz
| The Dos & Don'ts of Fair Housing Training |