All Forum Posts by: Michelle Fox

I thought Landlords should beware of what and does happen if you involved in a Fair Housing dispute. 
https://www.starbeacon.com/new...

I had a home in Lake County Ohio for rent Fair Housing sent a tester who said they had a service animal. They said I told the tester there would be a security deposit for the animal. Fair housing filed a charge of discrimination. Now they are trying to charge me $8,000 for being in violation. This was a tester. No one filled out an application or was denied the animal. No one suffered pain or suffering. This was a tester!! I am looking for an attorney to help with this matter and try to come to a fair settlement with Fair Housing.
Can you help? Thank you!

I had a home in Lake County Ohio for rent Fair Housing sent a tester who said they had a service animal. They said I told the tester there would be a security deposit for the animal. Fair housing  filed a charge of discrimination. Now they are trying to charge me $8,000 for being in violation. This was a tester. No one filled out an application or was denied the animal. No one suffered pain or suffering. This was a tester!! I am looking for an attorney to help with this matter and try to come to a fair settlement with Fair Housing. 
Can you help?  Thank you!  No

Not a scam. The case is now over to HUD. They want us to provide a statement to the allegations. There indeed was a tester who claims her husband has an ESA and that we told her a pet deposit is required. We don't remember saying this and we know the law about Service animals. Has anyone dealt with HUD and what are the penalties? Thanks

Has anyone ever had a person posing as a potential renter from Fair Housing and saying they had an ESA and were told they would have to pay a pet deposit? Then, received a letter from HUD that they were in violation. What steps were taken and what was the penalty? Thank you for your insight! I am aware that a pet deposit is not required.

I am the owner of a single family home in Lake County Ohio. I received a certified letter saying the Fair Housing Center conducted testing of my property. The tester informed me (owner)  that they had a service animal. In response to this they are claiming that I said a pet deposit equal to the monthly rent amount be provided. They are claiming discriminatory terms and conditions based on liability. Additionally, they are claiming they were frustrated and resources diverted due to my response. 
I do not recall having this conversation and am well aware that you cannot charge a pet deposit. I own several rental properties and have been in property management for 30 years.  I live in Ohio and am not sure how I should respond to this complaint. 
Has anyone out there had this situation?  Any suggestions on how to go forward? 
thank you! 

How should we approach the tenant as none of these things will guarantee we will Get rid of smoke completely. 

We have a new tenant about to move into one of our rental homes. The previous tenant violated the lease and smoked in the basement. The new tenant says she smells smoke throughout the house. We have washed down every wall, ceiling and hardwood floors. We do not smell any smoke. Looking for suggestions as to how to handle this situation. The tenant just picked up keys and moving in next week. 

We have a new tenant about to move into one of our rental homes. The previous tenant violated the lease and smoked in the basement. The new tenant says she smells smoke throughout the house. We have washed down every wall, ceiling and hardwood floors. We do not smell any smoke. Looking for suggestions as to how to handle this situation. The tenant just picked up keys and moving in next week. 

Does anyone know a lawyer who deals in evictions? I am stuck out of town and need an attorney to represent me for a tenant who has not paid rent in 3 months. Thank