July 2017 Coach's Quiz

We’ve given you five rules on how to avoid sex discrimination claims. Now let’s look at how the rules might apply 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.

QUESTION #1

A young man and two male roommates want to rent a three-bedroom unit at your community. Though there is a unit available, it has been newly renovated. To avoid likely property damage or noise complaints from other residents, the leasing agent tells them that there are no vacancies and suggests that they might try another community down the street. The unit is later rented to three women. Since the leasing agent has legitimate reasons for his actions, he would not be liable for sex discrimination under federal fair housing law. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #2

A single mother with one child applies for a one-bedroom unit. Her income from her part-time job plus the child support she receives from the child’s father satisfies your income requirements. Although you have concerns that the father may not pay on time or as promised, you could face a fair housing complaint if you refuse to consider the child support as part of her income. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #3

A male resident has accused a male maintenance worker of sexually harassing him. Your community could face a fair housing complaint for sexual harassment unless you take appropriate action to investigate and resolve the complaint. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #4

You could face a fair housing claim for sex discrimination if you take action to evict or otherwise punish victims of domestic violence for the actions of their abusers. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

COACH’S ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS

QUESTION #1

Correct answer: b

Reason: Rule #1 applies here:

     Rule #1: Treat Prospects and Applicants the Same Regardless of Their Sex

The leasing agent could trigger a fair housing complaint for sex discrimination by steering away the male prospects because of fears that they’re more likely to cause property damage or noise complaints than their female counterparts. Under the FHA, it’s unlawful to exclude applicants—of either sex—based on preconceived notions that applicants of the other sex would make better residents.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rule #1 applies here:

     Rule #1: Treat Prospects and Applicants the Same Regardless of Their Sex

Since most recipients of alimony and child support are women, you could be accused of housing discrimination based on sex if you refuse to consider the applicant’s child support as part of her income. You could also trigger a fair housing complaint under state or local laws banning housing discrimination based on lawful source of income, such as child support.

QUESTION #3

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rule #3 applies here:

     Rule #3: Enforce Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Sexual Harassment

Federal fair housing law protects both men and women from sex discrimination, including same-sex sexual harassment. Whether motivated by sexual desire or by hostility toward a particular gender, sexual harassment is unlawful—even if the harasser and the victim are of the same sex.

QUESTION #4

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rule #4 applies here:

     Rule #4: Don’t Punish Victims of Domestic Violence for Acts of Abusers

Though the FHA doesn’t specifically cover domestic violence victims, HUD says that domestic violence survivors may pursue federal fair housing claims in some cases. Based on statistics showing that women are overwhelmingly the victims of domestic violence, HUD says that domestic violence survivors who are denied housing or evicted based on the violence in their homes may be entitled to protection under the FHA provisions banning sex discrimination.

In addition, public and federally assisted housing communities could face liability under the federal Violence Against Women Act, which bans discrimination against victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking.