Leasing License Practice Exam

Under which act are tenants protected from discrimination regarding housing?

1. The Fair Housing Act

2. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act

3. The Civil Rights Act

4. The Housing Assistance Act

The correct answer is: The Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act is the legislation that specifically protects tenants from discrimination in housing based on various factors such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Enacted in 1968 and amended several times, this act aims to eliminate barriers to housing opportunities and ensure equal access to housing for all individuals. The act provides a framework for tenants to file complaints when they believe they have faced discrimination and establishes the parameters within which housing practices must operate. This creates a legal basis for tenants to seek recourse against landlords or sellers who engage in discriminatory practices, ensuring that everyone has an equitable chance at securing housing regardless of personal characteristics. Other options, while relevant in different contexts of civil rights and credit, do not specifically address housing discrimination in the same way that the Fair Housing Act does. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act pertains to credit transactions, the Civil Rights Act addresses a broader scope of anti-discrimination, and the Housing Assistance Act focuses on financial assistance for housing rather than specifically prohibiting discrimination.