We’ve given you six rules to comply with laws protecting veterans and military servicemembers. 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: 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

A prospect visits your community, explaining that he wants a quiet unit since he recently returned from active combat duty. Your community could face a fair housing complaint if you suggest that he would be more comfortable in another community located in a quiet part of town. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #2

You’ve received complaints about belligerent and threatening conduct by a resident, but you can’t take action against him for violating the lease because he says he has PTSD from previous military service. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #3

Your community has a no-pets policy, but an applicant asks for an exception for an assistance animal needed because of a disability sustained during military service. Since your community isn’t subject to any state or local laws banning discrimination based on military or veteran status, you don’t have to grant his request. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

COACH’S ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS

QUESTION #1

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rule #1 applies here:

     Rule #1: Comply with Applicable State and Local Law

If your community is subject to state or local laws banning discrimination based on military or veteran status, your statement could trigger a fair housing complaint for unlawful steering—that is, guiding, restricting, or otherwise attempting to influence a prospect’s housing choices for discriminatory reasons.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: b

Reason: Rule #2 applies here:

     Rule #2: Recognize Fair Housing Protections for Veterans with Disabilities

Although the FHA bans discrimination against veterans with disabilities, the law generally doesn’t protect an individual with a disability whose tenancy would constitute a “direct threat” to property or the health and safety of other residents. Before taking action against the resident, however, it’s a good idea to get legal advice because the law imposes specific requirements for determining whether the resident’s conduct amounts to a direct threat and whether there are any reasonable accommodations that would eliminate or significantly reduce the threat.

QUESTION #3

Correct answer: b

Reason: Rules #4 & #5 apply here:

     Rule #4: Carefully Consider Reasonable Accommodation Requests by Veterans with Disabilities

     Rule #5: Don’t Reject Disability-Related Requests for Assistance Animals

Even if your community isn’t subject to state or local laws protecting military or veteran status, the resident may qualify as an individual with a disability under federal, state, and local law. You should follow your community’s policies and procedures for evaluating the request for an exception to your no-pet policy as a reasonable accommodation for an individual with a disability.