Questions and Answers
Under which fair housing act are the elderly listed as a protected class?
Those who feel they are victims of a fair housing violation may file a complaint?
Which of the following is not a protected class in Virginia?
In a violation of Fair Housing laws, a salesperson learns that an owner wants to exclude a neighbor due to minority status. What should the salesperson do?
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A broker is instructed to not show a house to minorities. What should she do?
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John is renting out his property and specifies males only. Is this legal?
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Which group is protected under Virginia law but not under federal law?
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If a person feels their rights have been violated according to Virginia fair housing law, when must they file a complaint?
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Is it legal for the owner to deny renting to a military person based on deployment concerns?
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What is the illegal act where an insurance policy is denied based on the property location instead of the economic qualifications of the borrower?
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Virginia fair housing laws apply to?
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Which statement is NOT true regarding Lisa's advertisement as a licensed salesperson?
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Cathy's lease application is denied because she listed public assistance as an income source. What has the leasing agent violated?
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In Virginia, elderly is defined as any natural person:
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Is a billboard advertising new homes near an Army base legal?
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The objective of the Virginia Fair Housing law is to?
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The intent of the Virginia Fair Housing law is to?
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Which of the following actions would violate the Virginia fair housing laws?
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The Virginia Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of?
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Ted could be legally denied a lease based on?
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A broker is approached by a minority buyer requesting to see properties in a specific section of a city. The broker refuses. What is this conduct known as?
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It is a violation of Virginia license law to induce another person into selling their property by representing that?
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Study Notes
Fair Housing Overview
- The Virginia Fair Housing Act includes protections beyond federally mandated classes, covering military status, source of income, and elderliness (55 or older).
- Federal protections include race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability.
Protected Classes
- Elderly: Not a federally protected class; under Virginia law, individuals aged 55 and over are protected.
- Marital Status: Not recognized as a protected class in Virginia.
- Military Status: Protected under Virginia law, unlike federal law.
Filing Complaints
- Complaints for violations can be filed within 2 years in Virginia state court or within 1 year with the Virginia Real Estate Board (VREB).
- Specific forms of income discrimination, such as refusal to rent based on public assistance, violate Virginia fair housing laws.
Legal Actions and Violations
- Redlining: Discriminatory practice where lenders deny insurance policies based on geographic location rather than economic qualifications.
- Steering: Directing buyers to or away from certain properties based on their minority status, which is illegal.
- Blockbusting: Inducing property owners to sell by suggesting demographic changes will negatively affect property values.
Advertising Policies
- Ads cannot suggest a preference for any protected group, including stating preferences for military buyers. Such ads are illegal.
- Fair Housing laws prohibit discrimination in all forms, including advertising based on race, sex, or source of income.
Real Estate Practices
- Real estate agents must adhere to fair housing laws and cannot obey unlawful client instructions.
- Key Requirements: Agents must inform clients when complying with instructions would violate federal or state fair housing laws.
Discrimination in Leasing
- Legal Lease Denial: Denials based on credit score (e.g., 550) are permissible, while denial due to race, sex, or military status are not.
- Landlords cannot refuse to rent based on source of income or military service in Virginia.
General Obligations
- The overall objective of the Virginia Fair Housing Act is to protect the welfare of the public and eliminate housing discrimination through state authority.
- Real estate transactions must be conducted fairly without regard to any form of discrimination.
Summary of Key Terms
- Fair Housing Act: Protects individuals against discrimination in housing.
- Federal Law: Covers basic protections; states may expand on these provisions.
- Virginia Fair Housing Act: More comprehensive than federal law, particularly regarding military status and source of income.
Implications for Agents and Brokers
- Realtors facing requests to exclude certain populations must cancel listings that violate fair housing laws.
- Agents must maintain compliance and be aware of both federal and state fair housing regulations to avoid legal repercussions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on fair housing laws with these flashcards from Unit 16. This quiz covers important legislative acts and complaint processes regarding fair housing violations. Perfect for students and professionals in real estate and legal studies.
