Fair Housing Compliance: Navigating VAWA, Domestic Violence, Crime Free, and Nuisance Laws

Understanding the requirements and protections of VAWA in covered housing programs

The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) is a federal law originally enacted in 1994 which was reauthorized last year, and today protects individuals who are survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. It includes protections for survivors who are applying for or residing in covered housing programs.

Reauthorized in 2022, the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Office of HUD now accepts and investigates complaints alleging violation of VAWA using it’s Fair Housing Act complaint processes. In addition to FHEO, HUDs Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) agency partners also accept VAWA complaints.

In this session we’ll explore what is a covered housing program, what the compliance requirements are and how to avoid compliance pitfalls.

Webinar Objectives

• Which properties are subject to VAWA
• Learn the requirements of VAWA compliance.
• Identify the protections afforded to victims of domestic violence.
• Identify strategies for VAWA compliance.
• Identify outside resources for supporting victims of domestic violence.
• Review the most common issues raised regarding VAWA compliance and how to address them.
• Review so-called “crime free” and “nuisance” laws and how they can create a discriminatory effect.

Webinar Highlights

• What is VAWA?
• What is a “Covered Housing Program”?
• What are the compliance requirements?
• What are common compliance missteps?
• What are the responsibilities regarding domestic violence on housing programs that are not covered?
• What are “crime free” and “nuisance” laws?

Who Should Attend

All on-site and multi-site personnel including Regional/Area Managers, Community Managers, Leasing Professionals, Training and HR Professionals.