May 2014 Coach's Quiz

We’ve reviewed some recent court cases to show how communities have fared in defending themselves from fair housing claims. Now you can take the Coach’s Quiz to see what you have learned.

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the following questions has only one correct answer. 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 explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

You can violate fair housing law if you make comments or ask questions about protected characteristics, even if you don’t intend to discriminate. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #2

Under federal fair housing law, it’s illegal to discriminate against anyone based on the source of her income—that is, where she gets her financial support. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #3

If the law in your state prohibits discrimination based on source of income, then it’s illegal to turn away Section 8 voucher holders. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #4

A rule banning children from playing on the grass could lead to fair housing trouble. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #5

It’s illegal to refuse to rent to any minority prospects, but not to fib about available units when they ask about vacancies. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #6

Under fair housing law, you must grant a resident’s request for an exception to your policies, rules, or procedures if he says he has a disability. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

COACH’S ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS

QUESTION #1

Correct answer: a

The law doesn’t require discriminatory intent to impose liability for making discriminatory statements, so you could get in trouble by comments or questions during casual conversation. It’s unlawful to make statements that express a preference for or against anyone based on national origin and any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local fair housing law.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: b

Current federal law bans discrimination based on seven characteristics—race, color, religion, sex, handicap (disability), familial status, and national origin—but not source of income. Nevertheless, many state and local governments have expanded their fair housing laws to prohibit discrimination based on lawful source of income, some of which also cover Section 8 vouchers and other housing subsidies.

QUESTION #3

Correct answer: b

Check with your attorney about the specifics of state and local laws applicable to your community. Though many state and local governments have added fair housing protections based on source of income or receipt of public assistance, the laws vary in whether they cover Section 8 vouchers and other housing subsidies.

QUESTION #4

Correct answer: a

Rules targeting children, as opposed to residents generally, could lead to fair housing trouble if they unreasonably interfere with the ability of families with children to live at your community. If you want to protect your lawn from being trampled, it’s better to adopt a rule to keep everyone, not just children, off the grass.

QUESTION #5

Correct answer: b

Subtle forms of discrimination are just as unlawful as blatantly discriminatory practices. Among other things, it’s unlawful to provide inaccurate or false information about availability because of a prospect’s race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.

QUESTION #6

Correct answer: b

Under fair housing law, you must consider disability-related requests for exceptions to your rules or policies, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you must grant the request. For example, you may reject an accommodation request if it’s not made by or on behalf of an individual with a disability. And you don’t have to grant an accommodation request that’s not reasonable—that is, one that imposes an undue financial and administrative burden on your community. Before refusing a request, however, it’s a good idea to get legal advice about your options, and whether to offer an alternative that would satisfy the resident’s disability-related needs without imposing an undue burden on the community.