What legal obligations do you have to non-English speaking prospects and residents? Given that nearly 45% of Californians do not speak English at home, many language assistance practices are simply good business practices.

This webinar will cover federal and California fair housing laws that contain protections based on national origin, citizenship, immigration status and primary language; President Clinton‘s Executive Order and H.U.D.’s Limited English Proficiency guidelines; and specific California laws regarding immigration status and translation of contracts. 

The speakers will then address common legal and practical questions that arise on this topic, including:

  • What it a prospect leaves a voicemail in Spanish, which I do not speak?
  • Is it okay for a resident to use their child as an interpreter?
  • What documents have to be translated?
  • Can I have an English-only property?
  • Can I require a prospect or resident to communicate in writing?
  • Do I have to pay for an interpreter?
  • What if the prospect is speaking English, but I can’t understand because of their accent?
  • Do the courts have translator/interpreters for eviction cases?

Speakers:

Lynn Dover, Managing Partner, Kimball, Tirey, & St. John LLP

Lynn Dover is the managing Partner of the Fair Housing Practice Group at Kimball, Tirey & St. John LLP, a full service real estate law firm. She specializes in fair housing consultation, letters, legal opinions, lease and document reviews for fair housing compliance and training on fair housing issues.

Heidi Palutke, Education, Policy and Compliance Counsel, California Apartment Association

Heidi Palutke holds principal responsibility for CAA’s compliance and education programs, including the development of statewide and local compliance forms and materials. She conducts research and analysis of state and local legislation to support CAA’s public affairs team. She also represents CAA before various regulatory agencies and departments and manages CAA’s various litigation projects. Prior to joining CAA, she was an associate with the Law Offices of Andrew L. Packard in San Francisco and served as a legal policy analyst for Lead Safe California. Palutke holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations from Michigan State University, and a Juris Doctorate from Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco. She is a member of the California State Bar and has been admitted to the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal.

Original Broadcast Date: April 2021
On-Demand Cost: $49 CAA Member/ $89 Non-Member
Estimated Course Length: 1 Hr.

Purchase On-Demand Webinar

Qualifies for 1 Unit of CCRM Continuing Education Credit for current CCRM Certified Individuals.

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