Affordable housing
Porter Wright has a strong commitment to the communities in which we operate. We recognize the need for quality, reasonably-priced apartments and single family homes. We assist for-profit and non-profit developers, property managers, syndicators, equity investors and financial institutions in the planning and construction of multifamily and senior low-income housing, independent living and continuing care facilities, nursing homes, and related projects. Other clients active in this field include national and local charitable organizations and public housing agencies.

Our attorneys can effectively navigate the procedures within the affordable housing area to do what’s best for the community and our clients. Financing for these housing projects comes from a variety of sources, notably the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, state housing finance agencies, the Federal Home Loan Bank, Fannie Mae, public and private grants, and conventional lending institutions. Equity is provided through the use of low-income housing, historic rehabilitation and other tax credits available under the Internal Revenue Code and certain state laws.

Fair housing
Fair housing laws are complex and multifaceted. We advise for-profit and not-for-profit housing owners, managers and real estate brokers on all aspects of compliance, including compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Our representation includes the fair housing law implications in marketing, home sales and rental, landlord-tenant relations, tenant misconduct, eviction and reasonable accommodation of disabilities. Clients benefit from a variety of introductory and advanced training programs that we offer to assist them with fair housing compliance and to minimize their liability exposure.

Our experience in fair housing allows us to meet the needs of specialty housing providers such as HUD-assisted senior communities, congregate care retirement communities, and housing designed for the disabled. We advise builders and architects on local, state, and federal accessibility design standards. In addition, we represent clients before state civil rights agencies, HUD Fair Housing & Enforcement Division, and state and federal courts against complaints and charges raising issues of discrimination, reasonable accommodation, and design standards.