2026 Fair Housing Compliance Essentials - Policy Impact, Screening Reform and Digital Access Requirements

Description

Fair Housing enforcement is undergoing a major transformation in 2026. Regulators are shifting focus from isolated incidents to systemic barriers that limit housing access. The Disparate Impact doctrine, updated screening rules, and expanding digital accessibility obligations are now central to compliance expectations.

This session breaks down how neutral policies can unintentionally harm protected classes—and how HUD, DOJ, and courts evaluate these practices under the Disparate Impact framework. You’ll also learn why tenant screening remains the #1 source of complaints and how to update your criminal history and financial standards to meet new federal guidance.

Finally, with websites and digital platforms now considered public accommodations, property owners face rising liability for inaccessible online content. We will translate ADA and FHA digital requirements into practical steps, with a clear roadmap for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance.

This training delivers the tools, examples, and frameworks you need to proactively reduce risk, strengthen compliance, and protect your communities in a rapidly changing enforcement environment.

Areas Covered in the Session:-

1. The Disparate Impact Doctrine in 2026

• Understand HUD’s three-part burden-shifting test.
• Learn why discriminatory intent is not required for a violation.
• Audit high-risk policies—like strict occupancy limits or minimum income thresholds—that often trigger enforcement.

2. Modern Tenant Screening Requirements

• Why blanket criminal history bans are legally indefensible.
• Steps for a compliant individualized assessment, including offense severity, time elapsed, and conviction vs. arrest distinctions.
• How rigid credit score and DTI requirements may create Disparate Impact risk.

3. Digital Accessibility as a Legal Obligation

• FHA + ADA expectations for websites, online applications, and resident portals.
• WCAG 2.1 AA standards explained in practical terms.
• Common digital violations—missing alt text, inaccessible forms, and video content without captions.

4. Operational & Documentation Best Practices

• Develop consistent, defensible screening workflows.
• Create audit-ready documentation.
• Strengthen staff training to reduce complaints and legal exposure.

Learning Objectives:-

• Understand 2026 Disparate Impact enforcement priorities from HUD and DOJ.
• Implement legally compliant digital accessibility and online advertising standards.
• Build screening policies that reduce vulnerability to federal and local challenges.

Who Should Attend?

• Community Managers
• Regional/Area Managers
• Leasing Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Training Teams
• HR and Compliance Professionals.