Housing Rights Center contacted me...what do i do?

Question

So, I'm having an issue with a tenant and they've contacted Housing Rights Center and is claiming that there is Disability Discrimination.... It's not true but i believe I'm going to have bigger issues now and i might have to go to court? What should I do? Get a lawyer? And any recommendations for one ... I'm located in the LA County area.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

As Carl already pointed out, you don't need to do anything right now except collect your thoughts and notes. Write down every interaction you can recall with them. Collect any written communications like the lease, email, or text. Just collect it and wait to see if this comes to anything. If it does, listen to the specific complaint and see if there's any validity.

What you don't want to do is try to argue your case over the phone with a pencil-pushing nobody who's sole job is to find wrong-doing. If you need to make a response, you should probably do so through an attorney to ensure it's factual, unemotional, and legal.

Joe Splitrock · Answer

@Mai Dao I would strongly advise not talking to them, beyond gathering information on the complaint. Lawyers are not the last option, they should be there in the beginning. Most people think, "I will just work this out". Even if you are a reasonable and an honest person, the other party isn't necessarily the same. People will twist what you say and use it against you. If your attorney says it is best to cooperate, follow their advice.

DO NOT take advice on legal matters from internet strangers, especially people who operate in a state with different laws and legal environment. A landlord in Texas has more rights than a landlord in California. How you deal with problems in both states is different.

Carl Millsap · Answer

@Mai Dao did you know of their disability? Are you discriminating against them?

1. Ask the Housing Rights Center to provide you the specific claim.

2. Look up the violation they are accusing you of.

3. Consult an attorney if you don't think you can resolve the issue with the Housing people.

Sometimes claims are made that have absolutely no merit. You'll find that the Housing Rights office will contact you just to appease the tenant so they feel like something was done.

Again, consult an attorney if you don't think its something you can solve.

Mai Dao · Answer

I'm going the lawyer route. This is what happened. City came in and restructured my parking lot. By adding a handicap space, makes me lose 2 regular spots. So now, i have 4 regular and 1 handicap. Which makes one unit lose their spot. Im already reducing their rent for lost of services. But now they've involved the HRC and they're saying i need to give her back her parking space due to her disability. So..i have to reduce her already below market rent and give her a parking spot? Seems kinda not fair.

Peter M. · Answer

@Mai Dao Like most tenant issues in RE, lawyers should be a last resort because once you get to that point you've already lost. First, try to resolve it with the housing administration. They know tenants lie but so do landlords so they are going to be skeptical. If you can provide solid proof they may not move forward with the case. Then, try resolving it with the tenant (if it is an existing tenant). If it is an applicant claiming discrimination there isn't much you can do. Also, depending on your state laws you may be able to go to court yourself, without a lawyer. Good luck

Housing Rights Center contacted me...what do i do?

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