Fair Housing — Federal & State Laws

Understanding fair housing is critical for the license exam. Violations carry severe penalties.

Fair Housing Act of 1968 — Protected Classes:

R — Race

C — Color

N — National origin

R — Religion

S — Sex

F — Familial status (households with children under 18)

H — Handicap / disability

Memory: "RNCRS + FH"

Prohibited actions:

Steering — guiding buyers toward or away from neighborhoods based on protected class

Blockbusting — inducing panic selling by suggesting minorities are moving in

Redlining — refusing loans or insurance in certain areas based on demographics

Discriminatory advertising — ads that indicate preference or limitation

Exemptions to Fair Housing Act:

Owner-occupied buildings with 4 or fewer units (Mrs. Murphy exemption)

Single-family homes sold by owner without a broker

Housing for older persons (55+ communities)

Reference:

Wikipedia: Fair Housing Act

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_Housing_Act