law

protected class

A protected class is a group of people that fair housing laws shield from discrimination. Under the federal Fair Housing Act, the protected classes are race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability. Many states and localities add more classes, such as age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or source of income. Treating someone differently because of membership in a protected class is illegal in housing transactions.

Exam tip: Know the seven federal classes. Age, marital status, and source of income are not federal classes, but they are protected in many states, which can make them correct on state exams.
Example: A landlord refuses to rent to a family with two young children. That is familial status discrimination against a protected class.

1. Refusing to rent to a family with children generally violates which protected class?

Answer & explanation

Answer: B. Familial status (households with children under 18, pregnant women) is protected under the federal Fair Housing Act. Marital status is protected under NJ LAD but not federal law.

Related terms & state variants

disparate impact Fair Housing Act familial status steering

Sources

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

Last verified: 2026-10-23