Doesn't matter what I think, the guy was fined. Something learned.

Don't get me wrong, i am all for fair housing, but at the same time my license is at risk if i negotiate a contract with someone who does not speak the same language and they do not understand the terms of the contract. who should cover the cost of a translator? 

It was definitely a violation.  I have no idea whether the fine is justified, i.e. high enough or not.  It certainly drives the point home. A

I believe it is justified. In our area we have bilingual or trilungual agents who can explain and translate for those who signed a lease.  Just did it with a horse boarder.

That is a pretty stiff fine but what they did wasn't right. I wonder if it was just ignorance or stupidity. 

They should have been fined ZERO.   What are we supposed to do, learn every language on the Planet? 

No idea if it's justified, but it is what it is

Jeff Pearl National orgin is a protected class. HUD rules the Fair Housing Act.

I always thought that English was our only official language, but I would never turn down a prospect who need a translater, there have been times when I even sought out someone to help with the translation process.

As far as fines, who knows, when govt agencies are involved I dont expect things to be fair or just, we just do what we are told to do.

ditto to what Lyn said....

We now live in a crazy world where things are out of whack! Communication no longer counts. What was the benefit of the fine? Who did it help? Maybe time to exit the management business or just refer it to somene who speaks the language!

I will defer that question to Donald Trump.

I just read the article.  Hmm, I wonder if they will change their policy or hire someone that is bi-lingual.

We live in a crazy world now.

I think it was fair given the infraction. Do it again? Way more!!

Talk about a fair housing violation!

That's just not right. That's a fair housing violation. 30K is pretty stiff, but I think the broker deserved it. 

Wow..definitely an infraction and there should be a stiff penalty.

I agree with the fine, not sure if the amount needs to be higher to make the point though. Contracts require comprehension but having your own translator there is sufficient. 

Based on the info I have i.e. article, I can't agree with the finding: the lawsuit alleged discrimination "based on national origin", which was not the case. The policy only called for an ADULT who understands what they are signing. I think the judge "overdid it". The firm should have hired a translator, billable to the client, rather than turn them away, if that is what happened. We may not have sufficient information here.

It is too bad that "intent" is not a part of our system.  Mistakes are made and people just don't always know when they are breaking the law.

How is it fair housing if the tenant has no comprehension of what they are signing?  How is it fair if they cannot understand the communications from their landlord?

Jeff Pearl - double edge sword - if you do it and even if you don't....

Wow that is alot but yes he should of been fine that much.

The lady did have a bilingual daughter, though I don't remember reading if she was living with her mom, meaning someone could translate comments to English and Spanish.  I don't think communication should have been an issue, and that discrimination seems so very wrong Jeff Pearl - I totally understand a fine.  I cannot give a comment on the dollar amount, because I don't know . . . 

Sounds like a broker that needs to find another alternative employment.

Expensive lesson to learn

I agree with Lyn Sims.

There are many ways to skin the Real Estate cat. The agent got skinned instead...ouch!

How about putting them out of business...permanently...

Thanks for sharing this information.

Maybe $30,000. per violation

This has to be some fair housing case!  I'll go click to read it.