Nearly 100 people turned out for a free, information-filled fair housing workshop targeted to local landlords. The half-day event was organized by the cities of Lewiston and Auburn and the HUD Bangor Field Office, with participation from the Lewiston/Auburn Landlord Association.

"One of the reasons we convened this workshop was to dispel any of the fear landlords may have because of misconceptions of fair housing requirements," said Gail Phoenix, Community Development Coordinator for the city of Auburn. "I believe most landlords want to do the right thing."

Landlords seek advice from Pat Ryan, Executive Director of the Maine Human Rights Commission, and Attorney Neil Shankman, a local expert on residential tenant/landlord law.

L to R: Vivian Howe, Seniors Plus; Karen Pelletier, Common Ties and Larry Marcoux, United Way.

Panelists from local social service agencies, public housing authorities, the Maine Human Rights Commission, and the Lewiston/Auburn Landlord Association shared information on reasonable accommodation/modification, applicant screening, advertising and locating services for special needs residents. Each attendee received a fair housing tool kit that included a sample lease, local occupancy ordinances, reasonable accommodation/modification and Fair Housing brochures, sample rental applications and much more. By popular demand, "mini" fair housing workshops will be held again soon.

Content Archived: March 21, 2011