April 2012 Coach's Quiz

We've addressed 17 FAQs on fair housing compliance. Now let's look at how the rules might apply in the real world. Take the COACH's Quiz to see what you've learned.

INSTRUCTIONS: On a separate piece of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you think is correct—for example, 1)b, 2)a, and so on. The correct answers (with pointers to the FAQ where you'll find an explanation) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

Which of following characteristics are protected under the FHA?

1. Religion.

2. Sex.

3. Sexual orientation.

4. Race.

5. Familial status.

6. Age.

7. Color.

8. Ancestry.

9. Marital status.

10. Disability.

11. National origin.

QUESTION #2

A white resident can file a fair housing claim based on race. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #3

The FHA's ban on discriminatory advertising doesn't apply to anything posted on the Internet. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #4

Does the law allow someone who has never visited the community to pursue a fair housing claim?

1. Yes.

2. No.

QUESTION #5

A community could face a fair housing complaint if it restricts children from playing anywhere except a designated outdoor play area. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

QUESTION #6

Communities don't have to grant an exception to their rules as a reasonable accommodation unless the request for it is made by or on behalf of an individual with a disability. True or false?

1. True.

2. False.

Coach's Answers and Explanations

QUESTION #1

Correct answers: a, b, d, e, g, j, k

Reason: See FAQ #1: Who Is Protected Under Federal Fair Housing Law?

The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: a

Reason: See FAQ #3: Can Someone Who Isn't a Member of a Protected Class File a Fair Housing Complaint?

The law recognizes claims by prospects, applicants, and residents who allege they were subjected to discrimination because their household members, relatives, friends, or guests are members of a protected class.

QUESTION #3

Correct answer: b

Reason: See FAQ #7: How Does Fair Housing Law Apply to Advertising?

The ban on discriminatory advertising applies not only to traditional media outlets, but also to online advertising venues, community Web sites, and perhaps even social media postings.

QUESTION #4

Correct answer: a

Reason: See FAQs #7 and #8:

FAQ #7: How Does Fair Housing Law Apply to Advertising?

FAQ #8: What Are the Pitfalls When Dealing with Prospects?

Discriminatory advertising can trigger fair housing complaints from people and organizations that have never set foot on the property. Communities can also face claims from prospects based on how they were treated during phone inquiries or online communications.

QUESTION #5

Correct answer: a

Reason: See FAQ #12: What Common Problems Arise from Community Rules?

Adopting rules that unreasonably restrict children's activities in common areas could trigger a fair housing complaint based on familial status.

QUESTION #6

Correct answer: a

Reason: See FAQ #15: When Do the Reasonable Accommodation Rules Apply?

A community may deny a request for a reasonable accommodation if it isn't made by an individual with a disability—or someone on his behalf.