Tinsel, Trees & Tenant Rights: A Holiday Fair Housing Survival Guide

The holiday season often brings decorations, events, and messaging that can unintentionally cross fair housing lines. As we start thinking about the year-end holidays, multifamily professionals are once again confronted with requests for clubhouse use, decoration planning, and how to answer the most common questions of the season in general without appearing to be the Grinch!

Is it OK to have a Christmas tree in the office? What about a menorah? What should my holiday greeting be? Is it OK to have a “Secret Santa” office party? Can I let the folks in building 12 use the clubhouse for a midnight prayer meeting on Christmas Eve? Can I limit what decorations residents display in their windows? What holidays must I observe? Is there a Santa Claus?

Join us for the answers to these questions (well, except that last one) and more so you and your team are ready to master Fair Housing compliance without sacrificing any holiday spirit!

This webinar helps professionals avoid costly mistakes by understanding what’s appropriate—and what could be considered discriminatory.

Webinar Objectives

• Ensure awareness of the basic requirements of Fair Housing compliance regarding the protected class of Religion.
• Develop inclusive holiday policies and practices that align with fair housing laws.
• Distinguish between secular and religious holiday symbols and their impact on perceived neutrality.
• Identify common fair housing pitfalls related to holiday decorations and displays.
• Understand how to train on-site staff to handle holiday-related questions and complaints effectively.
• Learn how to respond appropriately to resident requests related to cultural or religious observances.
• Create a holiday celebration strategy that fosters inclusion, respect, and community engagement.

Webinar Highlights

• How does the Fair Housing Act define “Religion”?
• What does the Fair Housing Act say about religion?
• How does the distinction of secular inform fair housing compliance?
• Are there any exemptions during the holidays?
• What constitutes showing a preference for a certain religion?
• What types of celebrations are allowed?
• What types of decorations are allowed?
• Who can use the clubhouse – and for what purpose?
• What are the best ways to be inclusive?

Who Should Attend

Regional/Area Managers, Community Managers and Assistant Managers, Leasing Managers and Leasing Professionals, Maintenance Supervisors and Techs, Training, Compliance and HR Professionals.