If a property owner requests a property manager to act in violation of civil rights laws, what should the property manager do?

A property manager has an ethical and legal obligation to adhere to civil rights laws, which protect individuals from discrimination based on various factors such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. If a property owner requests actions that violate these laws, the property manager is faced with a serious situation.

Terminating the management agreement is the most appropriate course of action in this scenario because it protects the rights of all potential tenants and ensures compliance with the law. By doing so, the property manager is taking a stand against unethical practices and safeguarding both their own professional reputation and the interests of the community they serve. Additionally, continuing to work under the owner’s request would not only violate legal standards but could also expose the property manager to liability.

While seeking legal advice and communicating with the property owner might seem like valid options, these actions could allow potentially discriminatory practices to continue. Adjusting the management approach does not sufficiently address the underlying legal and ethical obligations to oppose discrimination. Therefore, termination of the management agreement is a definitive step that upholds the integrity of the property management profession and the rights of individuals affected by the owner's request.