Question 1

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

The federal Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended) protects seven classes: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability. Marital status is not a federally protected class, though some states include it in their fair housing laws.

Question 2

A real estate agent discourages a prospective buyer from purchasing a home in a particular neighborhood by saying 'that area is changing — you might not feel comfortable there.' This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Steering is the illegal practice of directing prospective buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on protected class characteristics (race, religion, national origin, etc.). It violates the Fair Housing Act even when done subtly through language, tone, or selective showing of properties.

Question 3

Which illegal practice involves inducing homeowners to sell by making representations about an influx of minority buyers in order to profit from the resulting panic sales?

Accepted Answer

Blockbusting (also called panic selling or panic peddling) is the illegal practice of inducing property owners to sell quickly at deflated prices by suggesting that minority buyers are moving into the neighborhood. Real estate licensees who engage in blockbusting face severe license sanctions and federal liability.

Question 4

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits discrimination based on:

Accepted Answer

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits discrimination based on race (and by extension color) with absolutely no exceptions — even religious organizations and small landlords who are exempt from the Fair Housing Act are subject to it. The Supreme Court affirmed its application to private housing discrimination in Jones v. Alfred H. Mayer Co. (1968).

Question 5

Which of the following properties is generally EXEMPT from the federal Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

The Fair Housing Act includes a limited exemption for owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units (the 'Mrs. Murphy' exemption) and for individual single-family homeowners who sell without the use of a licensed broker and without discriminatory advertising. However, these exemptions do NOT apply to race-based discrimination (governed by the Civil Rights Act of 1866).

Question 6

A landlord refuses to allow a tenant with a visual impairment to keep a trained guide dog, citing a strict no-pets policy. This most likely violates the Fair Housing Act because:

Accepted Answer

The Fair Housing Act requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, or practices to afford persons with disabilities equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. Refusing a service or assistance animal to a person with a disability constitutes discrimination based on disability. The no-pet policy must be waived as a reasonable accommodation.

Question 7

Under the Fair Housing Act, a complaint must be filed with HUD within how many days of the alleged discriminatory act?

Accepted Answer

HUD fair housing complaints must be filed within one year (365 days) of the alleged discriminatory act. Complainants may also file a civil lawsuit in federal district court within two years of the discriminatory act. Civil penalties for violations can range from $22,000 for a first violation to over $110,000 for repeated violations.

Question 8

A listing agent states in the MLS remarks: 'This property is perfect for families with children.' This statement is:

Accepted Answer

While familial status (having children under 18) is a protected class, advertisements that suggest a preference for buyers or tenants with children can be considered discriminatory against those without children. Fair housing advertising guidelines prohibit statements that indicate any preference based on a protected class, including in both positive and negative terms.

Question 9

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) primarily applies to:

Accepted Answer

The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in places of public accommodation (restaurants, hotels, theaters, stores) and commercial facilities, requiring accessible design and removal of barriers where readily achievable. It does NOT directly govern private residential housing — that is primarily covered by the Fair Housing Act.

Question 10

A seller instructs her listing agent to 'only show the home to Americans.' The agent should:

Accepted Answer

A licensee must refuse to follow seller instructions that violate the Fair Housing Act. Discriminating based on national origin (the implied meaning of 'Americans only') is illegal. The agent is not protected by 'following client instructions' — both the agent and the seller can face federal and state fair housing violations. The agent should withdraw from the listing if the seller insists.

Fair Housing & Ethics Practice Questions

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