EstatePass
Practice Of Real EstateFair_housingHARD

A Virginia landlord owns a 10-unit apartment complex. He refuses to rent to applicants who are 56 years old or older, claiming his building is 'a young professional community.' A 56-year-old applicant who is also a same-sex couple files a fair housing complaint. The landlord argues that age is not a protected class under the federal Fair Housing Act and that his policy is legal. Which of the following best evaluates the landlord's argument under Virginia law?

Correct Answer

C) The landlord's argument is incorrect; Virginia adds elderliness (55+) and sexual orientation as protected classes, making both aspects of the refusal potentially unlawful

Virginia Fair Housing Law (Va. Code § 36-96.1 et seq.) extends beyond federal law by adding 'elderliness' (age 55+) and 'sexual orientation' as protected classes. The landlord's blanket policy against applicants 56 and older violates the elderliness protected class (since 56 exceeds the 55-year threshold). The refusal based on the couple being same-sex violates the sexual orientation protected class. The landlord's reliance on federal law is a classic exam trap — Virginia independently provides these protections.

Answer Options
A
The landlord's argument is correct because age is not a federally protected class and Virginia follows federal fair housing standards exclusively
B
The landlord's argument is partially correct; the age policy is lawful but the same-sex couple's sexual orientation is protected under Virginia law
C
The landlord's argument is incorrect; Virginia adds elderliness (55+) and sexual orientation as protected classes, making both aspects of the refusal potentially unlawful
D
The landlord's argument is incorrect only as to sexual orientation; age restrictions are permitted under Virginia's Housing for Older Persons Act exemption

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Practice Of Real Estate Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Practice Of Real Estate

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Practice Of Real Estate

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Practice Of Real Estate Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

fair_housingelderlinesssexual_orientationstate_protected_classeshopa_exemptionexpert_trap

Related Concepts

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.

Commingling is the illegal act of mixing client funds with a broker's personal or business operating funds, while conversion is the unauthorized use of client funds for the broker's own benefit. Both are serious violations that can result in license revocation.

Commingling is the illegal act of mixing client trust funds with a broker's personal or business operating funds; conversion is the misappropriation of those funds.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Practice Of Real Estate Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing