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Practice Of Real EstateFair HousingHARD

A Maryland landlord owns a six-unit apartment building. He has a policy of not renting to widows or widowers because he believes single older adults are 'high-risk tenants.' A recently widowed applicant is denied a unit solely based on this policy. Under the Maryland Fair Housing Act, the landlord's policy most directly violates which protected class, and is the landlord's building subject to the Maryland Fair Housing Act?

Correct Answer

A) Marital status; yes, the Maryland Fair Housing Act applies to this building

Refusing to rent to a widow or widower because of their widowed status is discrimination based on marital status, a protected class under the Maryland Fair Housing Act (Md. Code Ann., State Gov't § 20-702). Unlike the federal Fair Housing Act, which exempts owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units (the 'Mrs. Murphy' exemption), the Maryland Fair Housing Act applies more broadly. A six-unit building owned by a non-occupant landlord is subject to the Maryland Fair Housing Act.

Answer Options
A
Marital status; yes, the Maryland Fair Housing Act applies to this building
B
Age; yes, age is a protected class under the Maryland Fair Housing Act
C
Marital status; no, buildings with six or fewer units are exempt from the Maryland Fair Housing Act
D
Familial status; yes, all rental properties are covered regardless of size

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

marital_statuswidowedcoveragemrs_murphy_exemptionprotected_classesrental_property

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