October 2020 Coach’s Quiz
In this lesson, we’ve reviewed recent developments, including new state laws banning discrimination based on source of income. 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) are provided in a separate PDF and follow the quiz on our website. Good luck!
QUESTION #1
If your state doesn’t ban discrimination based on source of income, then you are free to refuse to accept Section 8 housing vouchers. True or false?
a. True.
b. False.
QUESTION #2
Your community is located in a state that bans discrimination based on lawful source of income, so you must accept any prospect who receives government assistance. True or false?
a. True.
b. False.
QUESTION #3
Your state or local fair housing law bans discrimination based on source of income, so that means you must accept any prospect with a Section 8 housing voucher who otherwise meets your screening criteria. True or false?
a. True.
b. False.
QUESTION #4
Your community is subject to state or local laws banning discrimination based on source of income. One of your residents receives alimony and child support, but you heard that her ex-husband was laid off and you’re concerned that she may fall behind on her rent payments. Although you generally allow residents to mail rental payments by check, you want to require this resident to bring her rent payments to the office in cash at the beginning of each month to ensure prompt payment. You have a right to ensure residents will pay their rent on time, so you may impose this condition without violating fair housing law. True or false?
a. True.
b. False.
COACH’S ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS
QUESTION #1
Correct answer: b
Your state might not ban discrimination based on source of income—or its ban might not specifically cover public and private housing assistance, including Section 8 housing vouchers—but your city or county might. So, don’t reject an applicant who has a voucher until you check with your attorney to get the details of all the laws applicable to your community.
QUESTION #2
Correct answer: b
State or local laws that forbid discrimination based on source of income generally prevent you from rejecting a prospect solely because of the source of his income, but they don’t require you to accept a prospect getting financial assistance if you have other nondiscriminatory reasons to reject him, such as a criminal record, as long as you apply that policy consistently to all applicants.
QUESTION #3
Correct answer: b
Even if your community is subject to state or local laws that ban discrimination based on source of income, your community may not be required to accept Section 8 housing vouchers. The laws vary, depending on what language was used in the law and how the courts have interpreted it. Have your attorney explain exactly what is covered under your state or local law and ask her to keep you advised if anything changes.
QUESTION #4
Correct answer: b
To comply with state or local law, your community must refrain from discrimination based on source of income not only during the application process, but also throughout the tenancy. You risk a fair housing complaint if you apply more stringent payment requirements on this resident than on other residents based solely on her source of income.