law

Fair Housing Act

The federal Fair Housing Act, Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, financing, and advertising of housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status. It bans practices such as steering, blockbusting, and redlining. Limited exemptions exist for certain owner-occupied and private sales, but they never apply when a broker is used or discriminatory advertising is involved. Many states add more protected classes.

Exam tip: Memorize the seven federal protected classes. Exemptions disappear if a licensee is used or discriminatory ads are placed; race discrimination is always barred under the 1866 Act.
Example: A landlord refuses to rent to a family because they have two young children. That is familial-status discrimination under the Fair Housing Act.

1. A person who believes she suffered housing discrimination under the federal Fair Housing Act may file a complaint with HUD within:

Answer & explanation

Answer: C. HUD complaints must be filed within one year; a federal civil suit may be filed within two years.

Related terms & state variants

blockbusting Civil Rights Act of 1866 familial status protected class steering

Sources

Source verification pending. Confirm current requirements with your state regulator.

Last verified: 2026-10-23