Level 25

A property manager is talking to Bob, who wants to rent an apartment. Bob mentions that he is on the autism spectrum. The property manager thinks that dealing with an autistic individual would be too much trouble. He directs Bob to another complex, saying that the complex is better suited to Bob's "needs." Evaluate this situation.

The property manager is refusing to rent to Bob due to Bob's disability. This violates the Fair Housing Act.

Explanation:
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on disability, including mental and developmental disabilities like autism. By steering Bob away from the property because of his disability, the property manager is engaging in discriminatory behavior, which is illegal under federal law.

Example:
If a property manager tells Bob he’d be “better off” somewhere else because he’s autistic, that’s a clear violation of the Fair Housing Act’s protections for individuals with disabilities.

Any person who believes that they have been injured by the discriminatory practices of a real estate license holder has one year to file a complaint with HUD. TRUE OR FALSE

True ✅
Under the Fair Housing Act, anyone who believes they’ve been harmed by a real estate license holder’s discriminatory practices has one year from the date of the alleged incident to file a complaint with HUD

Under what circumstances can a landlord refuse to grant an accommodation or modification?

If it poses an undue financial burden, the landlord can refuse to grant a modification or accommodation.

Explanation:
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make reasonable accommodations and modifications for tenants with disabilities. However, they can legally deny the request if it would cause an undue financial or administrative burden or fundamentally alter the nature of the housing.

Example:
If a tenant requests an expensive structural change that the landlord cannot reasonably afford, the landlord may refuse the request — but must explore alternative reasonable solutions if possible.

Who meets the criteria for disability?

(Select all that apply)

• Bill, who is currently addicted to opioids

• Caroline, who is developmentally delayed

• Al, who has AIDS

• Jan, who is a recovering alcoholic

✅ Caroline, who is developmentally delayed
✅ Al, who has AIDS
✅ Jan, who is a recovering alcoholic

Explanation:
Under the Fair Housing Act, a person is considered to have a disability if they have:

• A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities,

• A record of such an impairment, or

• Are regarded as having such an impairment.

✅ Caroline has a developmental disability — clearly covered.
✅ Al has AIDS — HIV/AIDS is recognized as a protected disability.
✅ Jan is a recovering alcoholic — recovery from addiction is protected.

❌ Bill, who is currently addicted to opioids, is not protected under the Fair Housing Act if he is currently using illegal drugs. However, recovering drug users are protected.

A bank refuses to issue mortgages to a historically Black part of town. This practice is:

redlining, and it's illegal

Explanation:
Redlining is the discriminatory practice where lenders refuse to issue loans or insurance to people in certain neighborhoods based on race, ethnicity, or national origin — rather than individual creditworthiness. It is a violation of the Fair Housing Act and is illegal.

Example:
If a bank automatically denies mortgages to applicants from a predominantly Black neighborhood, regardless of their financial qualifications, it's redlining, and it's prohibited by federal law.

What civil rights law prohibits discrimination based on disability, and creates consistent and enforceable standards regarding discrimination based on disability?

Americans with Disabilities Act

Explanation:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, and housing. It sets consistent, enforceable standards to ensure equal access and opportunity.

Example:
A landlord must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities — such as allowing service animals — under the ADA, along with protections offered by the Fair Housing Act.

"Exemptions to the Fair Housing Act do NOT apply to real estate license holders." Is this statement TRUE?

Yes. In most states, the exemptions to the Fair Housing Act do NOT apply to license holders.

Explanation:
While the Fair Housing Act includes some exemptions (like renting a unit in an owner-occupied fourplex), these do not apply to real estate license holders. If a licensee is involved, even in an exempt transaction, they must comply fully with fair housing laws.

Example:
If a real estate agent helps a private owner rent out a single room in their home, the owner might be exempt, but the licensee is not — they must follow all fair housing rules.

Hilary asks that the property manager of her complex always call before anyone (like a maintenance worker) comes over, because she has severe anxiety around strangers. What is Hilary requesting?

an accommodation

Explanation:
Hilary is requesting a change in the usual policy or practice (being notified before someone enters) due to a disability-related need (severe anxiety). This qualifies as a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act, which requires housing providers to make exceptions to rules or procedures when necessary for a person with a disability to fully use and enjoy their housing.

An ad for housing shows people of just one race. Under federal fair housing laws, is this allowed?

No. A housing ad should give an adequate representation of all the different kinds of people who might seek housing. It should not show only one race.

Explanation:
Under federal fair housing laws, advertising must not express a preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. An ad that features only one race may imply a preference or exclusion, which is considered discriminatory. HUD guidelines recommend diverse and inclusive representation to avoid violating fair housing standards.

What was the purpose of the Civil Rights Act of 1866?

to prohibit discrimination in housing based on race or color

Explanation:
The Civil Rights Act of 1866 was the first federal law to affirm that all U.S. citizens have the same legal rights, including the right to buy, sell, lease, or hold real and personal property, regardless of race or color. It specifically prohibits racial discrimination in housing and property rights, with no exceptions — even for private sales or rentals.