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The first step in a client relationship is explaining the required New York State Fair Housing Disclosure (the “Disclosure”) and the TOOLBOX’s Fair Housing Protected Class Geography Chart (the “Chart”). Inevitably clients are curious about the surrounding area and the building inhabitants. When fair housing questions are presented, refer back to the solid foundation you laid regarding the Disclosure and the Chart.
Below is a common challenging question you are likely to receive during a showing appointment or during a first contact phone call/email conversation while you are qualifying a prospective client.
Renter: Our current neighbors are very religious and often hold prayer vigils and other religious events at their home. Although they are nice people, my wife and I feel like we do not belong, as we are atheist. Would you be able to help us find an apartment where the residents are not as deeply rooted in religion?
Agent: I’m sorry but I cannot show you apartments based on the religious practices of the other residents. Under federal, New York State and New York City fair housing laws, religion is a protected class, and I am prohibited from steering tenants away from or to a property based on the religious practices of any resident or group of residents in a building or specific neighborhood. Ultimately, I cannot decide for you where you will be most comfortable living. You will have to make the determination based on research and exploration of the building and neighborhood through your own efforts. Once you identify a particular property or geographic area, I will be able to assist you with your search in that area.
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