February 2017 Coach's Quiz

We have 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

Under fair housing law, you must grant requests for parking accommodations from residents with disabilities. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #2

Because of safety concerns about falls from balconies, you can restrict families with children to ground-floor units without violating fair housing law. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #3

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

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #4

Under federal fair housing law, it’s illegal to discriminate against anyone based on the lawful source of their income—that is, how they get their financial support. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

COACH’S ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS

QUESTION #1

Correct answer: b

Though communities must make reasonable accommodations, the law doesn’t require them to provide disabled residents with every accommodation they request or the accommodation of their choice. Disputes about parking are common sources of fair housing complaints, so you should treat requests for disability-related parking accommodations carefully—and get legal advice if in doubt over how best to respond.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: b

You must find another way to allay safety concerns about falls from balconies, because your community could be accused of unlawful steering if you limit the housing choices of families with children by restricting them to ground-floor units. The FHA bans steering—that is, guiding, directing, or encouraging prospects to live in a particular part of your community based on a protected characteristic.

QUESTION #3

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 from living 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 #4

Correct answer: b

Federal fair housing law bans discrimination based on seven characteristics—race, color, religion, sex, handicap (disability), familial status, and national origin—but not source of income. Nevertheless, it’s important to get the specifics of all state and local laws applicable to your community. Many state and local governments have expanded their fair housing laws to prohibit discrimination based on lawful source of income—that is, discrimination based on how applicants or residents get their financial support.