What background knowledge is needed for this Practice Of Real Estate question?

The federal Fair Housing Act was enacted in 1968 as part of the Civil Rights Act package, establishing the national baseline for housing discrimination protections. Massachusetts Chapter 151B predates the federal law in some respects, with the state having enacted anti-discrimination statutes as early as the 1940s, and the chapter has been amended repeatedly — most notably to add sexual orientation in 1989, gender identity in 2011 (as part of the Massachusetts Transgender Equal Rights Act), and source of income protections that have been strengthened over time. The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) was established to enforce these rights and has jurisdiction over housing complaints. The evolution of Chapter 151B reflects Massachusetts's position as a progressive leader in civil rights law, often serving as a model for other states.

What is a good way to remember the answer to this Practice Of Real Estate question?

Use the acronym 'SOGMA-GI' to remember the key additions Massachusetts made: Sexual orientation, Origin (ancestry), Gender identity, Marital status, Age, — Genetic Information, Income (source of). Visualize Massachusetts as a generous host throwing open extra doors labeled with each of these categories that the federal 'house' keeps locked. Every time you think of Chapter 151B, picture that host swinging open seven extra doors beyond the federal building's entrance. Remember Massachusetts' additional protected classes with this acronym. Each letter represents one of the protected classes added by Massachusetts law beyond federal protections.

What exam tip applies to this Practice Of Real Estate question?

On the Massachusetts real estate exam, questions about Chapter 151B almost always test whether you know the state goes beyond federal law and can identify the specific additional categories — so memorize the full list rather than just knowing that differences exist. When you see answer choices like 'none' or a single category, treat them as red flags because Massachusetts's expansions are numerous and well-documented. Always ask yourself: 'Is this a state question or a federal question?' because the answer changes dramatically depending on jurisdiction.

How does this Practice Of Real Estate concept apply in real world practice?

Consider a landlord in Boston who refuses to rent a two-bedroom apartment to a same-sex married couple holding a Section 8 housing voucher, citing both their sexual orientation and their use of government assistance as reasons. Under federal law, neither sexual orientation nor source of income is a protected class, so the federal Fair Housing Act would offer no remedy. However, under Massachusetts Chapter 151B, the landlord has violated the law on two separate grounds — discrimination based on sexual orientation and discrimination based on source of income — and the couple can file a complaint with the MCAD, potentially resulting in damages, civil penalties, and mandatory fair housing training for the landlord.

Practice Of Real EstateFair HousingMEDIUM

Massachusetts fair housing law (Chapter 151B) adds which protected classes beyond federal law?

Correct Answer

B) Sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, military status, genetic information, source of income

Massachusetts adds protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, military status, genetic information, ancestry, and source of income.

Answer Options

None

Sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, military status, genetic information, source of income

Only age

Only income

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Practice Of Real Estate Questions

Massachusetts fair housing law (Chapter 151B) adds which protected classes beyond federal law?

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