While the federal Fair Housing Act sets a baseline for protected classes, state and local governments often add additional protections. These may include protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, source of income, or other characteristics specific to the needs and priorities of the jurisdiction. Real estate professionals must be aware of both federal and local laws to ensure full compliance.
While the federal law doesn't protect against discrimination based on source of income, many states like Connecticut and Oregon do. A landlord in Oregon cannot refuse to rent to someone solely because they use a housing voucher.
State and Local Fair Housing Laws is tested in the Mandated Disclosures section of the real estate exam. Questions typically present a scenario and ask you to apply the concept. Here are examples of how exam questions are phrased:
Under Connecticut law, refusing to rent based on source of income is:
Oregon fair housing law adds which protected classes beyond federal law?
Under Oregon law, refusing to rent based on source of income is:
Practice with all 10 related questions below to build confidence in this topic area.
Always check the specific state's fair housing laws. Look for differences from the federal law and memorize the additional protected classes in that state.
Related Terms
Practice Questions
Under Connecticut law, refusing to rent based on source of income is:
Oregon fair housing law adds which protected classes beyond federal law?
Under Oregon law, refusing to rent based on source of income is:
Some Indiana cities add protection for:
Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act adds which protected class(es) beyond federal law?
Nevada fair housing law adds which protected classes beyond federal law?
New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination adds which protected classes beyond federal law?
Source of income discrimination in NYC housing is:
New York Human Rights Law protections include all federal classes plus:
Under the Fair Housing Act, which of the following is a protected class?
Related Concepts
Protected classes are groups of people who are legally shielded from discrimination based on specific characteristics.
The Lead-Based Paint Disclosure is a federally mandated disclosure required for all residential properties built before 1978. Sellers and landlords must disclose known lead-based paint hazards and provide the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home."
A property condition disclosure is a written statement by the seller detailing the known condition of the property, including defects, repairs, and issues with major systems. Most states require sellers to complete this form.
A seller's disclosure statement is a form that sellers complete to inform buyers about the condition and history of the property, including known defects, past repairs, insurance claims, and environmental issues.
Flood zone disclosure requires informing buyers whether a property is located in a designated flood zone as mapped by FEMA. Properties in high-risk flood zones may require mandatory flood insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Study This in Your State
State and Local Fair Housing Laws may have state-specific rules. Choose your state to study Mandated Disclosures with localized content: