The Trainer

Avoiding Charges of Retaliation, Enhancing Energy Efficiency

In this month's feature, we discussed how various federal, state, and local laws prohibit retaliation against renters who assert their rights. To steer clear of claims of unlawful retaliation, be careful to document all of your lease enforcement activities. You may need to show a court that your actions were motivated by something other than your personal feelings for the resident.

In our Maintenance article this month, we discussed how, as part of the economic stimulus program, Congress has provided substantial new funds to make the housing of low-income people more energy-efficient. We gave you some tips on how you can take advantage of the expanded residential weatherization program, such as:

• Become familiar with how the program operates in your area. Nonprofit community groups administer the program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Energy, and their practices vary from place to place. You need to get to know the agency that operates in your area if you want to benefit from federal weatherization resources.

• Get ready for a comprehensive energy audit at your site. Every step the weatherization program recommends has to be based on the results of the energy audit.

• Keep residents informed. They are intended to be the primary beneficiaries of the program even if you are the one who sets it in motion at your site.

TRAINER'S QUIZ

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the questions below has only one correct answer. On a separate sheet of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you have chosen—for example, (1) b, (2) a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

For every dollar of federal weatherization money your site receives, HUD will reduce your capital or rental assistance by one dollar. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #2

Fill in the blank: The federal agency that administers the weatherization program is _______________.

1. HUD

2. the U.S. Department of Energy

3. the Internal Revenue Service

QUESTION #3

Low-income renters and homeowners are eligible for weatherization assistance. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #4

Which of the following projects is least likely to be undertaken with weatherization funds?

1. Adding attic insulation.

2. Installing new plumbing fixtures.

3. Installing grab bars in a bathroom.

4. Replacing an old water heater.

QUESTION #5

Weatherization program regulations require the owner to approve all work items before work begins. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #6

A site manager received a phone complaint from a resident four days before he issued an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent. Is this a retaliatory eviction?

1. Yes.

2. No.

QUESTION #7

A maintenance worker occasionally gets into disputes with residents over their work requests. Can these arguments be used in court?

1. Yes.

2. No.

QUESTION #8

To be illegal, a retaliatory eviction must be motivated by feelings that are based on a resident's race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.