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(Almost) Always Get It in Writing

(Almost) Always Get It in Writing

As an attorney (although not yours, DBL – Dear Blog Reader) I regularly tell folks to “get it in writing”.  I have even been known to shriek at some poor soul, “What, you didn’t get it in writing?!”  And it is a pretty routine requirement for property management folks to tell their residents that all work orders have to be in writing.  This helps avoid the problems that can occur when residents see the maintenance professionals or other community staff and ask to have things done without routing the issue through the proper channels.  And there is nothing wrong with that policy except (and you knew there would be an exception!) when an oral communication is not just a work order request, but a request for reasonable accommodation made by a person with a disability.  If you think this is the case, then don’t ignore a request just because it is oral (over the phone or in person); you should write down your understanding of what is being asked for and then verify with the person that you have understood correctly.  In exchange for this helpful tidbit (which was not legal advice), now I’d like you to do two things.  First, share this information with all on-site folks, including maintenance.  Second, tell your folks that when in doubt (could it be a work order v. could it be a reasonable accommodation request) to always decide it is likely the latter.  A bit more hassle for on-site folks? Perhaps.  A lot less hassle than a fair housing investigation, charge or lawsuit?  For sure! (And, hopefully, price less.)

 

 

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