A landlord in Somerville, Massachusetts owns a three-family home and lives in one of the units. He refuses to rent the remaining unit to a same-sex couple, citing his religious beliefs. The couple files a complaint under Massachusetts Chapter 151B. Which of the following statements most accurately describes the legal outcome under Massachusetts law?
Correct Answer
C) The landlord's conduct violates Chapter 151B because sexual orientation is a protected class, and owner-occupant exemptions under Massachusetts law are narrower than under federal law.
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation. While the federal Fair Housing Act provides an exemption for owner-occupants of buildings with four or fewer units (the 'Mrs. Murphy exemption'), Massachusetts Chapter 151B has a narrower exemption that applies only to owner-occupants of two-family homes. An owner-occupant of a three-family home is NOT exempt from Chapter 151B's fair housing requirements. Therefore, the landlord's refusal to rent based on the couple's sexual orientation violates Massachusetts law.
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Related Topics & Key Terms
Key Terms:
Related Concepts
Advertising regulations govern how real estate licensees may market properties and services, requiring truthful, non-deceptive advertising that includes proper identification of the brokerage.
Antitrust violations in real estate occur when competing brokerages or agents engage in practices that restrain trade, reduce competition, or harm consumers through collusion. These violations are governed by the Sherman Antitrust Act and can result in severe penalties.
Broker supervision is the legal obligation of a designated or managing broker to oversee and be accountable for the real estate activities of all salespersons and associate brokers operating under their license.
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