Leasing License Practice Exam

What action is not required under the Fair Housing Act?

1. Offering equal opportunity in selling or renting units

2. Documenting income sources of applicants

3. Preventing housing discrimination based on race

4. Providing equal treatment in housing transactions

The correct answer is: Documenting income sources of applicants

The Fair Housing Act, enacted to eliminate discrimination in housing, requires that individuals be treated fairly and equitably in all housing-related transactions. This includes ensuring equal opportunity for selling or renting units, preventing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability, as well as providing equal treatment in housing transactions. Documentation of income sources from applicants does not fall under the requirements of the Fair Housing Act. Landlords and property managers may certainly assess income and employment to ensure tenants can meet their rental obligations, but there is no mandate under this Act to document income sources specifically for the purposes of fair housing compliance. It is more a matter of business practice than a legal requirement related to fair housing. Therefore, documenting income sources is not required by the Fair Housing Act, distinguishing it from the other actions that are integral to the Act’s goals of preventing discrimination and ensuring equal access to housing.