Question 1
Which is NOT a protected class under the federal Fair Housing Act?
Fair housing for the real estate exam
The federal Fair Housing Act protects seven classes: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. States add more.
| Federal classes | 7 |
|---|---|
| HUD complaint | Within 1 year |
| Federal lawsuit | Within 2 years |
| 1866 Civil Rights Act | Race, with no exemptions |
The three named violations
- Steering: channeling buyers toward or away from areas because of a protected class.
- Blockbusting: pushing owners to sell by claiming a protected class is moving in.
- Redlining: refusing loans or insurance in an area because of its makeup.
Narrow exemptions
- An owner-occupied building of two to four units, with no broker and no discriminatory ads.
- Qualifying housing for older persons, under familial status only.
- Some religious organizations and private clubs.
State additions
New York, for example, also protects lawful source of income, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status and citizenship or immigration status.
Try 3 questions
Question 2
An agent shows a Hispanic family homes only in neighborhoods where most residents are Hispanic, though they asked to see the whole city. What is this?
Question 3
Which owner may be exempt from the federal Fair Housing Act when renting without a broker and without discriminatory advertising?
Next step
Questions people ask
How many protected classes are in the federal Fair Housing Act?
Seven: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status.
What is the difference between steering and blockbusting?
Steering limits a buyer's choices; blockbusting pressures owners to sell.