Stories Related to Housing
Lawsuit Claims Equity Residential Violated CA Law
OnAugust 10, 2022, Los Angeles tenets of sued Sam Zelle's Equity Residential for invasion of privacy and failing to disclose background checks that had been performed on tenets. Background checks for prospective tenants are not out of the ordinary, however, it is expected that these background checks be made visible to those being investigated.
Rommy Kassim
9/18/2022
NJ Authorities Warn Landlords Who Violated Fair Chance In Housing Act
Everyone deserves a right to three things, food, water, and shelter. An individual's criminal record shouldn't determine whether or not they deserve stable housing, and landlords shouldn't hold the power to make decisions based on personal biases and beliefs.
Rommy Kassim
9/13/2022
NYC Considers Prohibiting Landlords From Running Background Checks
New York City Council is once again facing a bill that would prevent most landlords from inquiring about a prospective tenant's criminal history. The bill, also known as the Fair Chance for Housing Act, encourages the concept that housing is a fundamental right.
Rommy Kassim
9/7/2022
Indiana Law Concealing Many Eviction Filing Records Now In Effect
Starting July 1st, tenants in Indiana can now seek expungement for past eviction filings. The eviction expungement bill, Indiana House Enrolled Act 1214, was recently passed by the Indiana state legislature. The bill will now allow those with previous eviction filings to file an expungement.
Rommy Kassim
7/14/2022
Indiana HB 1214 Would Expunge Qualifying Evictions
Indiana is currently working on a bill, HB 1214, which would significantly help those denied housing due to past eviction records. HB 1214 would allow people to request expunctions for eviction filings in situations where the case was dismissed, the judgement ended up in their favor, or the landlord took no action within 180 days of the filing.
Rommy Kassim
2/14/2022
Ann Arbor, Michigan Bans Criminal Background Checks of Renters
Ann Arbor, Michigan, is making strides to ensure everyone has a chance to obtain decent housing by banning the criminal background checks of renters, which will expand housing opportunities to those returning to society after recent incarceration.
Rommy Kassim
11/12/2021
New Jersey Law Eliminates Criminal Conviction Questions On Rental Applications
Criminal convictions can pose a threat to finding housing for many renters. Fortunately, wiith the new Fair Chance in Housing Act, New Jersey renters can rest assured landlords will no longer be able to ask criminal history questions on rental applications.
Rommy Kassim
7/9/2021