Topic: I need this smart group's input on a BIG debate. Are Property Managers considered mandated reporters?

Hey!
I need this smart group's input on a BIG debate.
Are Property Managers considered mandated reporters?
I say yes....what say you?
No arguing please, just weigh in if you have a thought on this

Yes. Maybe not by law but by ethics.

Amy Sexton Horsley ethics and employment perimeters are not one in the same. As PM's we are required to protect the asset, NOT the people. That being said, if reporting is anonymous why are we even asking the question. Right is right and wrong is wrong, which should have nothing to do with our jobs. If I am reporting you, I'm not telling anyone I did it. as well as make sure to remind the people I'm reporting to that it is anonymous.

Charlotte Garris Wilson wow.

Amy Sexton Horsley wow what? Our hands are tied SO MUCH. With all we do, you're surprised at this answer?

Charlotte Garris Wilson agreed!

Amy Sexton Horsley she’s not wrong.

Charlotte Garris Wilson actually there are laws in many jurisdictions that require you to provide some protection to people. Obviously outside the scope of this discussion but that was a bit overly broad statement to say we don’t have any obligation for the care of tenants.

Charlotte Garris Wilson interesting perspective. Thanks!

I agree with Charlotte to a point. People are crazy and sometimes reporting can be dangerous for the reporter. I have called CPS and APS on residents before, but can't give my information. I have helped police investigations. I am absolutely going to put the asset into consideration, but people come first. I can't sit by and not speak up when I know someone is being hurt.

Amy Sexton Horsley thanks!

Depends on the state

I assume by Mandated reporting you mean a crime, abuse etc…If I am going to report something I better make damn sure I know ALL the facts…. And not just one sided perceived opinions… Reporting wrongly can destroy lives.

Juan Carlos Suarez being "unsure" and not reporting cam also destroy lives...

Alysha Lorraine I guess it depends on what side of the gray area you want to fall on. I’ve seen too many wrongfully accused by those that jump to conclusions. All I ask that one be smart and not rash.

Alysha Lorraine yes, very true. Thanks!

Alysha Lorraine … reporting can destroy yours.

On an affordable housing property you could spend a large part of your time being a “mandated reporter”.

Juan Carlos Suarez very true. Thanks!

Juan Carlos Suarez it’s not up to us to judge or make the calls, it’s whoever it’s being reported to.

No. Unless you have a certification that specifically says you are… no.

Tyler Mazdra thanks!

Not likely legally mandated like teachers, doctors, etc.. BUT, not reporting raises two concerns for me. 1. Why would we not do the right thing, as noted by others, and speak up to protect an innocent person being harmed?2. Could there be any risk of liability if we have knowledge and do nothing?

Kathy Gifford Vance thanks!

Kathy Gifford Vance all of this!

Legally NoEthically Yes, if like stated above you have ALL the facts.

Hsirtal A. Garvin thanks!

In TN every citizen is a mandated reporter. So depends on your state law

Sarah Trefz Watson really? Thanks!

No

Rochelle Kirk thanks!

Mandated reporter means mandated by statute not by personal ethics, and results will vary from state to state.

Jack Friggin Metzel thanks!

No

Suzanne Fowler thanks!

Not mandated, but would definitely not turn my back. Last thing I want is a call in the middle of the night or anytime, that a child has been seriously hurt and I knew about it. You do it anonymous as some companies say not to call. No one has to know and better safe than sorry.

Christine Allen yes! Thanks!!

No. I’m sure certain states may say otherwise. That said, I’ll snitch on everyone! Especially if I see a child mistreated, or domestic violence, etc. I’ll be the first to call. Not today satan!

Heather Hawpe right? Thanks!

Absolutely

Chelsea Santiago thanks!

How is this a debate much less a BIG one? Mandatory reporter is a term defined by your local jurisdiction. They also clearly define what roles are, it isn’t up to the random whimsical opinions of some property managers. Unless you are going to arbitrarily and capriciously redefine an already well defined term then it isn’t up for debate at all. Now should you make a report when you have concern? Well that is a personal decision and a property manager is no different than a Walmart greeter in that respect.

Miles Scruggs You’ve always got great feed back/responses

Ed Trevino "random whimsical opinions of some property managers" on a property management page doesn't really strike as "great feedback."

Alysha Lorraine On something that already is really well defined by each state... How else would you describe it??That is like asking: "Hey what is your opinion on if you need to be licensed to conduct property management services." The opinions don't really matter, each state defines it really well, and if you think it is open for interpretation then a court will quickly correct you in a less than gentle manner.For manditory reporters it is even more simple each state has a list of roles that are mandatory reporters and you are either on the list or you aren't. I would be shocked to learn of a state that put property managers or real estate agents on the list, but I'm open to being surprised.

Alysha Lorraine While I wouldn't be shocked, I would be a bit surprised if someone could even produce a single state who's list had a defined role in which even the most eager person who squinted really hard at it thought it applied to property managers.

Mandated by a state agency, likely not. By your conscience, probably, or the question wouldn't be posed?

Reba Shahan right? Thanks!

Sherri Reinert Vittatoe thanks!

In the state of Wyoming “all adults are mandated reporters” is what I was told by the police.

Steph Kwek wow, thanks!

Angel Rogers yep. I was a little shocked but I honestly would anonymously report anyway so I can sleep at night. I usually recommend my complaining tenant make the call but if they don’t and I think it’s warranted, I wouldn’t hesitate

I think everyone should be mandated reporter if a child is in danger

Sylvia Walker thanks!

Yes we are.

Debra Leazenby thanks sweet friend!

Not mandated however if I see something that puts another humans life at risk and I have facts to support it I am saying something. It goes back to ethics and who you are as a person. As PMs we are not legally held to a reporting standard. However, if we want the best for humans in this world then we need to say something. Our job is to run the asset and protect it. But I feel like reporting is protecting the asset, because we really don’t need or want the un reported issues on our properties.

Casey N Aaron Enriquez yes, thank you!

Yes

Brenda Summers Borino thanks!

Miles Scruggs it is a big debate amongst some of our team members. We are affordable housing and also have a social services arm so roles can get muddy. This is certainly not a "random whimsical opinion of some property managers" and I am not arbitrarily or capriciously redefining anything. Just looking for opinions from peers..Appreciate the input.

It isn't a matter of opinion. You either are a mandatory reporter or you aren't. if you don't know if you are then you aren't. If some of your team are social workers then they are likely defined as mandatory reporters. I just can't grasp what there is to debate, it isn't like the definitions are nuanced or arcane. Each state has a list, you are either on it or you aren't. Simply "providing some version of social services" isn't likely to get you on that list, but exactly what state is this in question and which role that is specifically on that list are people agonizing about if they identify with or not??

Ok so you are in California. Here is your list: exactly which one of these roles/professions do you, or anyone on your team think applies to what they did, or the license they maintain?leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/.../codes...

Yes

Lisa Odle thanks Lisa!

Depends on state law, but I think they should be.

Heather Blume thanks Heather!

Angel Rogers I meant more as a matter of morals and ethics. We see a place many don't and I think extra responsibility comes with that.

I've asked my legal team in 3 different states I've worked in and the answer I got was; "Legally a pm is not a mandated reporter. However, there is also not a law in place that says that as a pm, you cannot report a crime or suspected crime as a concerned citizen. With that said, the best way to phrase a reporting is 'I believe xyz is happening and this is what I've seen/ heard/ witnessed' and if you're not comfortable giving your name for fear of repercussion from the resident or your company, don't". Personally, my ethics do not allow me to stand by and not report abuse or a crime. And only once, I left my name out - because of the company I worked for.

Aleisha Parongao I sincerely appreciate your input. This is how I feel as well, but as affordable housing providers we have social services so it can get muddy. Thank you!

Angel Rogers you're welcome! And for affordable housing.... there's always anonymous reporting to get the ball rolling.

Go with your gut. Never turn your back on it. I never did.

I unfortunately had to do be when I worked on site. It is hard, but you are a human being and if you see something wrong, go with your gut.

In senior living in California we were mandated reporters. And goodness knows we should have been!

Heather Everett King yessss!!! It is so important!

It is decided by the state you live in but you also have to be careful about VAWA protections as well. victimrights.org/wp-content/uploads/2021...tes-Need-to-Know.pdf

I oversee Affordable Housing and we have this statement in all of our job descriptions.

"As a mandated reporter, follow all procedures outlined in agency policies and procedures to report to the proper agency when there is suspicion and/or confirmation that a child or adult has been a victim of abuse or neglect".

While I understand that we protect the asset, but if abuse is happening it most likely is affecting our assets. We are all responsible to provide a safe place to live to our residents.

I believe we are obligated to report anything that creates a threat, danger, pending security problem, etc. (I believer we all know the score.) However, if the topic extends beyond the realm of management authority I think it should not be reported. They said, they heard, they repeated is a recipe for misinterpreted information.

You can only report allegations, the police or social service will perform an investigation and only take action if they find it necessary. Not reporting something because of uncertainty reduces the chances of someone getting the help they need.