Certified Residential Appraiser Practice Exam

Which type of discrimination is prohibited by the Fair Housing Act?

1. Discrimination based on age

2. Discrimination based on credit rating

3. Discrimination based on race

4. Discrimination based on height

The correct answer is: Discrimination based on race

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on specific protected characteristics, one of which is race. This legislation aims to eliminate barriers in housing that stem from prejudice and to ensure equal housing opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their racial background. The Act protects individuals from being denied housing or subjected to different terms and conditions in housing because of their race, thereby promoting fair treatment in the housing market. Discrimination based on race has historically been a significant issue, leading to practices like redlining and segregation. By including race among the protected classifications, the Fair Housing Act seeks to address and remediate such inequalities, which continue to perpetuate social and economic disparities. Other forms of discrimination mentioned in the choices, such as age, credit rating, and height, do not fall under the specific protections of the Fair Housing Act. While there are laws that address discrimination in employment or other areas that may cover age or credit rating, the Fair Housing Act specifically focuses on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status as its primary protected classes. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the critical goal of the Fair Housing Act to combat racial discrimination in housing.