Fair Housing Laws & Regulations Flashcards

An owner lives in one unit of a fourplex and rents the other three without a broker. Under the federal Fair Housing Act, which exemption may apply?

Answer: The 'Mrs. Murphy' owner-occupied exemption

Owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units can be exempt from most FHA provisions, but not from the ban on discriminatory advertising.

Which federal law prohibits ALL racial discrimination in property transactions, with no exemptions?

Answer: Civil Rights Act of 1866

The Civil Rights Act of 1866, upheld in Jones v. Alfred H. Mayer Co. (1968), bars race discrimination with no exemptions.

Even when an owner qualifies for an FHA exemption, which act remains prohibited?

Answer: Publishing an advertisement that indicates a preference based on a protected class

Section 804(c) bars discriminatory notices, statements, and ads even for owners who are otherwise exempt.

How long does a person generally have to file a fair housing complaint with HUD after the alleged discriminatory act?

Answer: 1 year

HUD complaints must be filed within one year of the last alleged discriminatory act.

A private civil lawsuit under the Fair Housing Act must generally be filed within what period?

Answer: 2 years

A private suit in federal or state court must be filed within two years of the discriminatory act.

Which amendment added familial status and disability (handicap) as protected classes under the federal Fair Housing Act?

Answer: Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988

The 1988 amendments added familial status and handicap and gave HUD stronger enforcement powers.

Under the 1988 amendments, which multifamily buildings must meet the FHA's accessible design and construction requirements?

Answer: Buildings with 4 or more units ready for first occupancy after March 13, 1991

Covered multifamily dwellings are buildings of four or more units first occupied after March 13, 1991.