HomeReal EstateSafety in real estate extends far beyond the physical

Safety in real estate extends far beyond the physical


Agent safety in October, and every other month, remains a critical theme. The industry is rightly reminded each fall to take precautions during showings and open houses, and true safety extends well beyond physical well-being. For agents, particularly those navigating the complexities of the rental market, safety increasingly means protection against lawsuits, regulatory violations, and professional missteps in an environment that is becoming more complicated by the day.

The scale of the challenge is clear in the numbers. More than 28,000 housing discrimination complaints were filed in 2023, with over 80 percent being tied to rental housing, according to data from the National Fair Housing Alliance. This is not a marginal issue but reflects the reality that the rental sector is where regulatory scrutiny and legal exposure are often most acute. The tools that agents rely on, such as tenant screening platforms, pricing software, even the documents used to process applications, are all under sharper legal and regulatory examination than ever before.

Recent cases illustrate just how quickly legal issues can escalate. Agents continue to face on-the-job risks such as entering vacant properties alone or meeting unfamiliar clients in isolated settings, reminders of why situational awareness remains essential. But increasingly, dangers extend into the courtroom. In Massachusetts, tenant Mary Louis successfully sued screening provider SafeRent after being denied housing based on flawed data. The case resulted in a $2.3 million settlement and a halt to practices that discriminated against voucher holders. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice and several states are pursuing a high-profile lawsuit against RealPage, arguing that its rent-setting algorithms facilitate collusion and inflate rents, an action with potential damages estimated at $73 billion. And in Los Angeles, lawmakers recently raised fines for rent gouging during emergencies, such as during the recent devastating fires caused by wind storms, to $50,000 per violation, even taking legal action against companies accused of raising rents by more than 50 percent. Each of these examples underscores a common point: the potential risks in the sector are multiplying, and ignorance of the law is no defense.

This is why safety must be reframed as both a physical and professional imperative. Tenant screening, for instance, is no longer a simple background check. It requires awareness of fair housing standards, local limits on the use of criminal and eviction histories, and a clear understanding of how to apply criteria consistently. Documentation, too, must reflect jurisdiction-specific requirements that can vary widely across states and municipalities. The days of relying on one-size-fits-all forms are gone.

Education is perhaps the most powerful form of protection. Regulations evolve faster than most practitioners can keep up, but those who commit to continuous learning are best positioned to avoid costly mistakes. Initiatives, many of which offer free training on rental best practices, show how accessible education can become a safeguard, ensuring that agents are not just reacting to legal changes but staying ahead of them.

As the spotlight of REALTOR Safety Month fades, the industry should remember that safety is not seasonal. It is an everyday necessity, whether that means taking precautions during a showing or ensuring compliance with shifting regulations. In 2025 and beyond, the agents who thrive will be those who treat safety as a comprehensive shield: protecting their clients, their reputations, and their livelihoods alike.

Michael Lucarelli is the CEO of RentSpree.
This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of HousingWire’s editorial department and its owners.
To contact the editor responsible for this piece: zeb@hwmedia.com.

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