Fair Housing Laws Quiz: Test Your Knowledge on Real Estate Ethics

Question 1

The main objective of the Fair Housing Act is to:

Accepted Answer

Prevent discrimination in housing

Answer

Provide financial assistance for housing

Answer

Regulate the construction of new homes

Answer

Protect the rights of landlords

Question 2

What is the difference between disparate treatment and disparate impact discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Disparate treatment is intentional, while disparate impact is unintentional

Answer

Disparate impact is intentional, while disparate treatment is unintentional

Answer

They are the same thing

Answer

Neither of the above

Question 3

A real estate agent represents a seller who received multiple offers. The seller wants to sell to a buyer of their preferred race. What should the agent do?

Accepted Answer

Inform the seller that this violates fair housing laws

Answer

Follow the seller's instructions

Answer

Convince the seller to consider buyers of different races

Answer

Refer the buyer to another agent

Question 4

The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination in housing. Which characteristic is NOT a protected class under this law?

Accepted Answer

Marital status

Answer

Race

Answer

Disability

Question 5

Under the Fair Housing Act, which characteristic is NOT protected from housing discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Age

Answer

Race

Answer

Familial status

Answer

Disability

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a protected characteristic under the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Political affiliation

Answer

National origin

Answer

Disability

Answer

Familial status

Question 7

The Fair Housing Act prohibits:

Accepted Answer

Both intentional and unintentional discrimination

Answer

Only unintentional discrimination

Answer

Only intentional discrimination

Answer

Discrimination against non-protected classes

Question 8

Which federal agency is responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Answer

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Answer

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Answer

Department of Justice

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT one of the three traditional theories of disparate impact under the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Affirmative action

Answer

Statistical disparity

Answer

Facially neutral policy

Answer

Causation

Question 10

According to the Fair Housing Act, what is the "duty to accommodate"?

Accepted Answer

Housing providers must make reasonable modifications to policies and practices to accommodate persons with disabilities

Answer

Housing providers must provide accessible housing to all individuals

Answer

Housing providers are not required to make any accommodations for persons with disabilities

Question 11

Which exemption under the Fair Housing Act allows religious organizations to give preference to members of their religion in housing?

Accepted Answer

Religious exemption

Answer

Familial status exemption

Answer

Housing for older persons exemption

Answer

Disability exemption

Question 12

What is the primary purpose of a fair housing audit?

Accepted Answer

To identify and eliminate discriminatory practices in housing

Answer

To punish housing providers for discrimination

Answer

To promote affordable housing

Question 13

What is the best practice for real estate professionals to ensure compliance with Fair Housing Laws?

Accepted Answer

Receive fair housing training and stay updated on legal requirements

Answer

Only rent or sell to individuals from protected classes

Answer

Use only standardized forms and contracts

Question 14

Potential consequences for violating the Fair Housing Act may include:

Accepted Answer

Fines, jail time, loss of licenses, and compensatory damages

Answer

Only fines

Answer

Only jail time

Question 15

Under the Fair Housing Act, which of the following is prohibited discrimination based on?

Accepted Answer

Protected characteristics, such as race, religion, and disability

Answer

Income level

Answer

Marital status

Question 16

What is the primary objective of the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

To prohibit discrimination in housing based on protected characteristics and promote fair and equitable housing practices

Answer

To provide financial assistance to first-time homebuyers

Answer

To regulate the construction and maintenance of residential properties

Question 17

Which of the following actions could constitute a violation of the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Refusing to rent to an applicant based on their family status

Answer

Setting different rental rates for tenants based on their credit scores

Answer

Running a criminal background check on potential tenants

Answer

Requiring a security deposit from all tenants

Question 18

Which federal agency is responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Answer

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Answer

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT considered a best practice for preventing Fair Housing violations?

Accepted Answer

Inquiring about applicants' plans for future family growth

Answer

Using objective criteria for tenant selection

Answer

Documenting all interactions with tenants

Answer

Educating staff on Fair Housing laws

Question 20

Explain the significance of Fair Housing laws in fostering a just and equitable society.

Accepted Answer

Fair Housing laws protect individuals from discrimination in housing, ensuring equal access to housing opportunities and promoting a society where all members have the opportunity to live in safe, habitable, and non-discriminatory environments.

Answer

Fair Housing laws reduce crime and improve public safety

Answer

Fair Housing laws contribute to economic growth and stability

Question 21

Which of the following is **not** a protected characteristic under the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Height

Answer

Race

Answer

Disability

Answer

Gender

Question 22

What is the primary objective of the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

To eliminate discrimination in housing

Answer

To regulate rental prices

Answer

To provide financial assistance for affordable housing

Question 23

What is the legal defense known as 'disparate impact' within the context of Fair Housing Laws?

Accepted Answer

A practice that has an adverse effect on a protected group, even if there was no intentional discrimination

Answer

A practice that is intended to directly discriminate against a particular group

Question 24

Which of the following **is** a prohibited form of housing discrimination under the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Refusing to rent an apartment to someone because of their race

Answer

Setting different rental rates based on a person's age

Answer

Refusing to sell a home to someone with children

Question 25

What is the primary responsibility of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in enforcing Fair Housing Laws?

Accepted Answer

To investigate complaints of discrimination and take appropriate action

Answer

To provide affordable housing assistance

Answer

To create and enforce building codes

Question 26

Which of the following is an example of a reasonable accommodation that must be provided under the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Allowing a tenant to have a service animal

Answer

Charging a higher rent to tenants with disabilities

Answer

Requiring tenants to sign a waiver of their rights under the Fair Housing Act

Answer

Refusing to rent to someone who uses a wheelchair

Question 27

Which of the following is a best practice for real estate professionals to avoid Fair Housing violations?

Accepted Answer

Treat all prospective tenants and buyers fairly and equally

Answer

Use different marketing materials for different demographic groups

Answer

Ask personal questions about a person's family or background

Question 28

What is a primary societal benefit of Fair Housing Laws?

Accepted Answer

They promote equal access to housing and foster inclusive communities

Answer

They help to increase property values

Answer

They protect the rights of landlords and real estate agents

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a protected characteristic under the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Marital Status

Answer

Disability

Answer

Familial status

Answer

National origin

Question 30

Which agency is responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Answer

National Association of Realtors (NAR)

Answer

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Answer

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Question 31

What is the primary purpose of a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

To modify housing or policies to allow individuals with disabilities to fully enjoy their dwellings

Answer

To provide financial assistance to low-income families

Answer

To prevent discrimination based on familial status

Question 32

In what way do fair housing practices contribute to promoting social equity?

Accepted Answer

They ensure equal access to housing for all, regardless of protected characteristics.

Answer

They increase property values in minority neighborhoods.

Answer

They reduce crime rates in urban areas.

Question 33

Which of the following is an appropriate way for real estate professionals to demonstrate their commitment to fair housing?

Accepted Answer

By advertising properties without discriminatory language and actively marketing to diverse communities.

Answer

By refusing to work with clients who have a history of discrimination.

Question 34

What is the primary function of fair housing organizations?

Accepted Answer

To provide legal assistance, education, and advocacy for individuals who have experienced housing discrimination.

Answer

To enforce the Fair Housing Act and investigate violations.

Question 35

Which of the following are examples of housing discrimination?

Accepted Answer

Refusing to rent to a family with children, setting different rental rates based on race, and denying a reasonable accommodation to a tenant with a disability.

Answer

Charging a higher security deposit for tenants with pets

Question 36

What options are available to individuals who wish to report housing discrimination?

Accepted Answer

File a complaint with HUD, contact a fair housing organization, or file a lawsuit.

Answer

Write a letter to their local newspaper

Answer

Protest outside the housing provider's office

Question 37

What is the primary purpose of the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

To prohibit discrimination in housing based on protected characteristics.

Answer

To regulate the construction of new housing developments.

Answer

To provide financial assistance to low-income families.

Answer

To enforce building codes and safety standards.

Question 38

Which agency is primarily responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Answer

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Answer

Department of Justice (DOJ)

Answer

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Question 39

What is the term used to describe a practice that has a discriminatory effect on a protected group, even if it is not intended to discriminate?

Accepted Answer

Disparate Impact

Answer

Reasonable Accommodation

Answer

Discrimination

Answer

Disparate Treatment

Question 40

According to the Fair Housing Act, what is the affirmative defense to a disparate impact claim?

Accepted Answer

The defendant can prove that the practice is necessary to achieve a legitimate business purpose.

Answer

There is no affirmative defense to a disparate impact claim.

Answer

The defendant can prove that the practice is not discriminatory in practice.

Answer

The defendant can prove that they did not intend to discriminate.

Question 41

What is the purpose of the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines (FHAG)?

Accepted Answer

To establish minimum accessibility standards for housing design and construction.

Answer

To provide financial assistance to developers of accessible housing.

Answer

To enforce the Fair Housing Act.

Answer

To provide guidance on how to prevent discrimination in housing.

Question 42

Which of the following is NOT a protected characteristic under the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Income level

Answer

National origin

Answer

Familial status

Answer

Gender identity

Question 43

What was the key ruling in the Supreme Court case *Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs v. Inclusive Communities Project* regarding the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

It established that the Fair Housing Act prohibits housing practices that have a discriminatory effect, even if not intentional.

Answer

It determined that the Fair Housing Act does not cover discrimination based on familial status.

Answer

It declared that landlords are not obligated to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.

Answer

It ruled that the Fair Housing Act only applies to intentional discrimination, not unintentional effects.

Question 44

Which of the following actions is NOT prohibited by the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Refusing to rent to an applicant due to a poor credit history.

Answer

Refusing to rent an apartment to a family because they have children.

Answer

Charging a higher security deposit to a person with a disability.

Answer

Advertising an apartment as only available to individuals over 55 years old.

Question 45

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

Accepted Answer

Political affiliation

Answer

Race

Answer

Religion

Answer

National origin

Question 46

A landlord refuses to rent to a single mother because they believe children are disruptive. This is an example of discrimination based on:

Accepted Answer

Familial status

Answer

Gender

Answer

National origin

Answer

Religion

Question 47

Which federal agency is primarily responsible for enforcing the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Answer

Department of Justice (DOJ)

Answer

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Answer

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Question 48

What is the term for the illegal practice of using fear tactics to persuade homeowners to sell their properties based on the perceived arrival of racial or ethnic minorities in a neighborhood?

Accepted Answer

Blockbusting

Answer

Steering

Answer

Redlining

Question 49

Which of the following is a key provision of the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988?

Accepted Answer

Expanding protection to include familial status and disability.

Answer

Establishing the Fair Housing Accessibility Guidelines.

Answer

Prohibiting discrimination based on credit history.

Question 50

A real estate agent directs a white family to view homes only in neighborhoods with predominantly white residents while showing a minority family homes in a different neighborhood. This practice is known as:

Accepted Answer

Steering

Answer

Blockbusting

Answer

Redlining

Answer

Reverse discrimination

Question 51

Under the Fair Housing Act, it is illegal for a lender to refuse a mortgage loan based on:

Accepted Answer

The applicant's religion

Answer

The applicant's credit score

Answer

The applicant's employment history

Answer

The value of the property being purchased

Question 52

What is the primary purpose of the Fair Housing Act?

Accepted Answer

To ensure equal housing opportunities for all individuals regardless of protected characteristics.

Answer

To regulate the construction of new housing developments.

Answer

To control rent prices and prevent housing price inflation.