Regulatory & Fair Housing Compliance Flashcards

Under the Fair Housing Act, which of the following is NOT a protected class at the federal level?

Answer: Source of income

Source of income is not a federally protected class under the FHA, though some states and localities have added it.

A home inspector discovers that a property has been modified with grab bars and widened doorways. Under the Fair Housing Act, the inspector should recognize these as:

Answer: Reasonable modifications made by a person with a disability

The FHA allows tenants or owners with disabilities to make reasonable modifications to accommodate their needs.

Which federal agency primarily enforces the Fair Housing Act?

Answer: Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

HUD is the primary federal agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Fair Housing Act.

An inspector notes that a multi-family building built in 1993 lacks accessible routes to all units. This is most likely a violation of:

Answer: Fair Housing Act accessibility requirements

The FHA requires that multi-family dwellings built after March 13, 1991 meet specific accessibility design standards.

What is the statute of limitations for filing a fair housing complaint with HUD?

Answer: 1 year

A complaint must be filed with HUD within one year of the alleged discriminatory act.

A home inspector working for a lender is asked to produce a report that downplays defects in a neighborhood the lender considers 'undesirable.' The inspector should:

Answer: Refuse and provide an honest, unbiased report

Inspectors must provide honest, unbiased reports regardless of client instructions; participating in redlining-type practices violates ethical and legal standards.

Which of the following best describes 'blockbusting' under fair housing law?

Answer: Inducing homeowners to sell by claiming minorities are moving into the area

Blockbusting is the illegal practice of persuading homeowners to sell cheaply by exploiting fears about racial or ethnic integration.