February 2015 Coach's Quiz

In this lesson, we’ve discussed four fair housing trends for 2015—and what they may mean for your community. Now let’s look at how these issues might come up in the real world. 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.

COACH’S TIP: The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

Until there’s a ruling by the Supreme Court, communities may be liable under federal fair housing law for housing practices that have a discriminatory effect based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability, even if there’s no intent to discriminate. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #2

Even though federal fair housing law does not ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, you could trigger a fair housing complaint for refusing to rent to same-sex couples. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #3

If your state has legalized medical marijuana, then you must grant a reasonable accommodation request by a disabled resident to use medical marijuana at the community. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #4

When an applicant arrives at your office, she brings along an interpreter because she doesn’t speak English. To avoid renting to unauthorized immigrants, it’s okay to ask anyone who speaks a foreign language to produce documentation of lawful immigration status. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

COACH’S ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS

QUESTION #1

Correct answer: a

Reason: See ‘DISPARATE IMPACT’ DISCRIMINATION: High Court Poised to Make Major Ruling on Fair Housing Law

According to HUD regulations and rulings by many courts, federal fair housing law bans both intentional discrimination and disparate impact discrimination—housing practices that have a discriminatory effect on a protected class, even if there’s no intent to discriminate. In the case currently before the Supreme Court, critics argue that the law bans only intentional discrimination. The Court is expected to make a decision later this year.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: a

Reason: See SAME-SEX MARRIAGE—LGBT DISCRIMINATION: Big Changes in Marriage Equality Laws

Though federal fair housing law does not ban discrimination based on sexual orientation, you could trigger a fair housing claim for turning away same-sex couples. HUD rules prohibit discrimination based on LGBT status in public and federally assisted housing. You could also run afoul of state or local laws banning discrimination based on sexual orientation—and possibly based on marital status. 

QUESTION #3

Correct answer: b

Reason: See MEDICAL MARIJUANA—REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION RULES: More States Relax Marijuana Restrictions

Though more states have relaxed restrictions on marijuana for medical or recreational use, it’s still illegal under federal law to possess or grow marijuana—for whatever purpose. HUD says that a request to allow medical marijuana use is unreasonable—at least with respect to federal public or assisted housing—and many believe it unlikely for HUD to pursue a reasonable accommodation claim against other housing providers in medical marijuana cases.

QUESTION #4

Correct answer: b

Reason: See IMMIGRATION REFORM—NATIONAL ORIGIN PROTECTIONS: Immigration Still a Hot-Button Issue

Though some state and local laws ban the practice, HUD has stated that federal law doesn’t prevent communities from screening applicants for immigration status—as long as the policy is followed consistently for all applicants. Consequently, you’d likely face a discrimination claim based on national origin for singling out non-native English speakers—but not other applicants—for immigration screening.