Fair Housing

Question 1

Civil Rights Act of 1866

Answer 1

Prohibits discrimination by race

Question 2

Fair Housing Act of 1968

Answer 2

Prohibits discrimination by race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. (Jones v. Mayer in US Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1866 barred all racial discrimination, public or private, in the sale or rental of property.

Question 3

Housing for the elderly—an exception to “familial status”

Answer 3

100% of residents are 62 or older or

80% of units have a least 1 resident 55 or older, and there are facilities for the elderly

Question 4

Steering

Answer 4

Steering is discriminating against certain religions or races by directing them away from or towards specific areas. When a buyer asks to see homes in neighborhoods with “good” schools, what are they really saying?

Question 5

Blockbusting

Answer 5

Blockbusting is the act of inducing a person to sell because persons of a particular race, color, religion, disability, or familial status are moving into the neighborhood, which is illegal. Since 1991, newly constructed apartment buildings with 4 or more units must have handicapped accessibility

Question 6

Redlining

Answer 6

Redlining is the discriminatory practice of not lending in certain neighborhoods. Statements like, “You would not like living in that neighborhood”, or “banks aren’t making loans in the mountains”, steer people away from areas.

Question 7

Rent Control

Answer 7

May discourage construction of new housing as rent may be lower than the cost to maintain buildings
When appraising rental property, controlled rents keep the value down since NOI stays lower than similar properties

Question 8

Equal Housing Opportunity Poster

Answer 8

Brokers are required to exhibit an equal housing opportunity poster in their place of business. The public must easily see the poster. Without the poster, the broker is open to discrimination complaints.