An Introduction to Federal Housing Laws - Unit Exam

What's the primary purpose of the federal Fair Housing Act?

To protect buyers' and renters' right to have choices in housing without discriminatory limitation

If a private individual owner doesn't own more than three single-family homes at one time, which exemption from the Fair Housing Act could apply?

Single-family housing sold or rented without the use of a broker

According to fair housing laws, the protected class of familial status refers, in part, to those with children, who are defined as anyone under the age of ______.

18

Your client submits an application to rent a condo unit. He has excellent credit and has had the same job for a long time. He uses a cane to help with his mobility. When his application is rejected, he feels it's due to his disability. He is protected under what federal law?

Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988

Jericho and Cindy, an unmarried couple, have three children, ages 3, 5, and 12. A seller's broker refuses to show them a house in a neighborhood where residents tend to be older, and no one else has children. Which protected class status applies?

Familial status

Which of these is a recommended strategy for a real estate professional who wants to avoid being asked to violate fair housing laws?

Let consumers know upfront that you adhere to fair housing laws.

Broker Betty has a client, Norma, who is leaving her home after spending the last 40 years creating a beautiful rose garden in the yard. Norma doesn't want the home to go to anyone with pets or children who will destroy all her hard work. Can Betty comply with Norma's wishes?

No, Betty isn't legally allowed to comply with Norma's request in this instance because it's discriminatory against a protected class.

Familial status includes families with children under age 18 living with parents or a legal custodian, people securing the custody of children, and what other group of people?

Pregnant women

A homeowner has converted two rooms in his home to a rental unit. What does the "Mrs. Murphy" exemption permit him to do?

Refuse to rent to a female tenant.

The Millers moved to a small town and were interested in buying a house. At the first meeting with real estate sales professional Nora, she asked them where they went to church. They replied that they were atheists and didn't attend church. Nora then told them that she didn't Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 know of any listings that met their needs, even though that wasn't true. Nora is discriminating based on _______.

Religion

A landlord refuses to show or rent an apartment to someone who is not Christian or Jewish. What type of discrimination is this?

Religious discrimination

Which act states that communities and facilities that meet certain criteria for providing housing to older persons are legally exempt from familial status discrimination?

Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995

Which of the following is considered illegal based on a buyer's race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, or disability?

Denying that a house is available for sale when it actually is.

Carlos, who is Black, refuses to rent the available unit in his apartment building to anyone who appears to be middle Eastern. What's true about his actions?

Prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act