Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 81%

Which of the following is generally permissible under the federal Fair Housing Act and its Amendments?

Rationale

Renting rooms to only adult men in an owner-occupied four-unit building is generally permissible under the federal Fair Housing Act and its Amendments.

The Fair Housing Act allows for certain exemptions, particularly in owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, where the owner may choose to live in one of the units and maintain some control over tenant selection.

A (renting rooms to only adult men in an owner-occupied four-unit building) CORRECT

This option is permissible because the Fair Housing Act provides an exemption for owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units. The owner can choose tenants based on gender in this specific context, as long as the property owners occupy one of the units.

B (refusing to rent a luxury apartment to a woman with custody of her grandson) YOUR ANSWER

This choice is discriminatory under the Fair Housing Act, as it violates provisions against discrimination based on familial status. Refusing to rent to someone based on their family situation, such as having custody of a child, is illegal.

C (advertising a condo online as being in a good Middle Eastern neighborhood) YOUR ANSWER

This choice may imply a preference for individuals of a specific ethnicity or national origin, which is prohibited by the Fair Housing Act. Advertising in a way that suggests exclusivity based on race or national origin is considered discriminatory.

D (requiring persons with disabilities to pay higher than usual security deposits) YOUR ANSWER

This option is also discriminatory as it violates the Fair Housing Act's provisions that protect individuals with disabilities from being treated unfairly. Charging higher fees specifically to individuals with disabilities is not permissible under federal law.

Conclusion

The Fair Housing Act seeks to eliminate discrimination in housing, allowing for certain exemptions such as in the case of owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units. While renting rooms to adult men in such buildings is generally permissible, all other options reflect violations of the Act’s anti-discrimination principles based on familial status, race, and disability. Understanding these regulations is crucial for promoting fair housing practices.

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