BROKER RISK MANAGEMENT
BROKER ALERT
Reminder Regarding Fair Housing
In the last several months, Broker Risk Management has received an increase in claims being filed with the California Department of Civil Rights (“Department”). Those claims primarily arise out of rentals involving tenants and unsuccessful tenants complaining about the actions of the real estate agents. In at least two instances, prospective buyers of real property filed complaints, when the buyers’ offers were not accepted by the sellers. Those claims arose out of a variety of issues including, but not limited to, the following: agents stating that there is a “no pet” policy, which includes emotional support animals; agents discriminating against Section 8 tenants; and discrimination based on protected classes.
Brokers are required to provide training in fair housing. In response to these complaints, Broker Risk Management (or Jones Law Group) has taken the position that clients of Broker Risk Management provide adequate training to their agents including very specific fair housing training.
In ongoing efforts to ensure agents are properly trained and informed of fair housing laws, Broker Risk Management is reshowing its Fair Housing webinar on May 18, 2026. BRM will issue a separate invitation to this showing. If brokers have questions, please feel free to contact us.
DO NOT FORWARD TO SELLERS OR BUYERS. This Broker Alert is for the exclusive use of clients of Broker Risk Management and their agents. It may not be reproduced or distributed without the express written consent of Broker Risk Management. The advice and recommendations contained herein are not necessarily indicative of standards of care in the industry, but rather are intended to suggest good risk management practices.