Fair Housing Act Quiz

Questions and Answers

What is the Federal Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act is a federal act in the United States intended to protect the buyer or renter of a dwelling from seller or landlord discrimination.

Which group is not protected under federal fair housing laws?

Race

Familial status

Religion

Sexual orientation (correct)

What is the Fair Housing Act of 1988?

The Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) was signed into law on September 13, 1988, and prohibits discrimination in housing sales, rentals, or financing.

Can a landlord discriminate against a felon?

True Signup and view all the answers

What was the decision in Jones vs. Mayer (Supreme Court decision of 1968)?

The court declared that the Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits all racial discrimination in the sale and rental of real property. Signup and view all the answers

What are the seven protected classes under the Fair Housing Act?

Race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. Signup and view all the answers

What is blockbusting?

Blockbusting is the illegal practice of inducing homeowners to sell their properties by misrepresenting the entry of people of a particular race or national origin into the neighborhood. Signup and view all the answers

What is steering?

Steering is a practice whereby a real estate agent shows homes in predominantly white neighborhoods to white clients and homes in predominantly non-white neighborhoods to minority clients. Signup and view all the answers

What is redlining?

Redlining is being denied or subjected to stricter conditions in applying for a loan based on the racial composition of an area. Signup and view all the answers

What are familial status laws?

Familial status laws prohibit landlords from refusing to rent to families with children. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Fair Housing Act of 1866 prohibit?

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits discrimination in the purchase, sale, lease, or conveyance of real property based on race or color. Signup and view all the answers

What does Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 prohibit?

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Signup and view all the answers

When was the Fair Housing Act signed into law?

September 13, 1988. Signup and view all the answers

When did the Fair Housing Act become effective?

March 12, 1989. Signup and view all the answers

What law does the Fair Housing Act of 1988 amend?

Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968. Signup and view all the answers

What is Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968?

Title VIII prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Signup and view all the answers

What does Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1991 prohibit?

Title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fair Housing Act Overview

The Fair Housing Act is a federal law aimed at preventing discrimination in housing based on protected class status.
It prohibits sellers or landlords from refusing to sell or rent to individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin.

Protected Classes

The seven protected classes under the Fair Housing Act include race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status.
Familial status includes protection for families with children under 18 and individuals who are pregnant or adopting.

Exclusions from Protection

Sexual orientation and marital status are not federally protected but may be covered under certain local or state fair housing laws.

Historical Amendments

The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 expanded protections and was signed into law on September 13, 1988, becoming effective March 12, 1989.
It amends Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in housing transactions.

Notable Legal Cases

The Supreme Court case Jones vs. Mayer (1968) established that racial discrimination in property transactions is illegal under the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

Discriminatory Practices

Blockbusting: An illegal tactic where agents induce homeowners to sell by suggesting that changes in the racial composition of the neighborhood will affect property values.
Steering: A practice where agents show white clients homes in predominantly white neighborhoods while directing minority clients to areas predominantly occupied by their race.
Redlining: Denying loans or imposing stricter conditions based on the racial composition of a neighborhood.

Familial Status Laws

Familial status laws prevent landlords from refusing rentals to families with children, promoting equal housing opportunities for families.

Key Legislative Milestones

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 established the first federal law against racial discrimination in property transactions.
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 strengthened provisions against discrimination in housing.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1991 addresses employment discrimination similarly to housing discrimination.

Important Dates

Fair Housing Act amendments signed into law on September 13, 1988.
Effective date of these amendments was March 12, 1989.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the Fair Housing Act and its provisions. This quiz will cover important aspects such as protected classes and discrimination laws in housing. Prepare to enhance your understanding of fair housing rights and responsibilities.