BRR received the following question from a member, and we reached out to Zoe Ann Olson, Executive Director of the Intermountain Fair Housing Council for clarification: “My client requested no children present during showings due to concerns about COVID-19. Is that allowed under Fair Housing guidelines?”
With any housing transaction, it important to remember that as a housing provider or real estate licensed professional, the client and the housing provider cannot discriminate on the basis of familial status or any other protected class. COVID-19 hits everyone, regardless of age or protected class or socio-economic background. Families bring children to showings to make sure everyone loves the house.
I understand the concern, and if the seller is worried, they might consider doing virtual tours for everyone. All parties during a transaction should have CDC health standards in place such as wearing gloves, masks and wiping down areas before and after a showing especially if one must be done to complete the sale. No one should show or attend a showing if sick. But that general policy should be understood, and no one should inquire into the nature or severity of one’s health as it may be construed as disability discrimination.
Do you have other fair housing questions? Let us know by emailing taylor@boirealtors.com.
