Fair housing is one of the most tested topics. You must know the federal protected classes, NY's additional protections, and the specific prohibited practices.
The federal Fair Housing Act (1968, amended 1988) prohibits discrimination based on seven protected classes: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability. Race and color have no exemptions whatsoever.
New York adds several protected classes beyond federal law: age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, source of income, and lawful occupation. NY protections are broader and have fewer exemptions than federal law.
Steering is directing buyers toward or away from neighborhoods based on protected class. Blockbusting is inducing panic selling by claiming a protected class is moving into a neighborhood. Redlining is refusing to lend in certain neighborhoods based on demographics.
The federal Fair Housing Act has limited exemptions for owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units (Mrs. Murphy exemption), religious organizations, and private clubs. However, these exemptions do not apply to advertising discrimination, and they never exempt race or color.
1. Which of the following is NOT a federally protected class under the Fair Housing Act?
The seven federal protected classes are Race, Color, Religion, National Origin, Sex, Familial Status, and Disability. Age is NOT federally protected under the Fair Housing Act (though it is protected under NY State law).
2. 'Positive steering' is:
Positive steering, directing minorities only to minority neighborhoods because the agent believes they'll be more comfortable, is still illegal steering. Agents must show all suitable properties without regard to neighborhood demographics.
3. A landlord has a strict no-pets policy. A tenant with a documented disability requests permission to keep an emotional support animal. The landlord must:
Under fair housing law, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. An emotional support animal with proper documentation is a reasonable accommodation. The no-pets policy must yield.
Blockbusting
The illegal practice of inducing homeowners to sell by implying that members of a protected class are moving into the area.
Fair Housing Act
Federal law prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on protected characteristics.
Redlining
The illegal practice of denying mortgage loans, insurance, or other services to residents of certain neighborhoods based on demographics.
Steering
The illegal practice of guiding buyers or renters toward or away from neighborhoods based on their protected class.
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