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Fair Chance In Housing

Fair Chance In Housing

Wednesday, March 19, 2025
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM (EDT)

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Event Details

Course Overview

This course provides landlords with a comprehensive understanding of their rights and obligations under the New Jersey Fair Chance in Housing Act (FCHA). The FCHA, signed into law on June 19, 2021, aims to ensure that individuals with past criminal histories have a fair opportunity to access safe and affordable housing, and imposes certain rights and obligations on housing providers. Understanding the law is important to remain in compliance and avoid penalties for noncompliance from the NJ Division on Civil Rights.

Join NJAA as we host Derek Reed, Esq., from Ehrlich, Petriello, Gudin, Plaza & Reed, P.C. and Nicholas Kikis from New Jersey Apartment Association for "Fair Chance in Housing".

Learning Objectives/Key Topics

  • Know the Law: Learn about the specific restrictions and exceptions related to criminal history inquiries and the types of criminal records that cannot be considered
  • Know Your Rights: Gain insights into the rights of landlords under the FCHA, including the ability to evaluate criminal history only after making a conditional offer
  • Compliance and Best Practices: Discover best practices for compliance, including how to create a fair housing policy and handle conditional offers
  • Mitigating Factors: Learn how to inform applicants about their right to demonstrate mitigating factors and inaccuracies in their criminal record
  • Fair Housing Implications and Legal Considerations: Understand how the Fair Chance in Housing Act interfaces with the Fair Housing Act and the NJ Law Against Discrimination and understand best practices for considering applications in a nondiscriminatory manner while safeguarding all tenants in a community

Reserve your spot today to ensure you don’t miss out on this valuable opportunity!

Why Attend?

By taking this course, apartment professionals will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of the FCHA, ensuring fair treatment for all applicants while maintaining compliance with state laws. This knowledge is crucial for fostering a fair and safe housing environment for everyone, specifically:

  • Legal Compliance: Ensure that your rental practices comply with state laws, avoiding potential legal issues and penalties.
  • Risk Management: Reduce the risk of discrimination claims, ensure a safe environment for all residents, and enhance your reputation as a fair and responsible property owner.
  • Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date with the latest legal requirements and best practices in the housing industry.

Who Should Attend?

Staff with a role in the decision-making process around resident screening/selection, including: property owners,

  • corporate office staff,
  • legal and compliance staff,
  • regional managers,
  • and property managers.

Continuing Education Credits:

  • 3 Continuing Education Credits (CEC) for NAA Designations
  • 3 Real Estate Continuing Education Credits

Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of fair housing with confidence. See you there!

Questions?

Should you have questions about this course, please do not hesitate to contact education@njaa.com and a member of our team will be more than happy to assist you!