Florida Broker Practice Exam

What type of organizations may restrict dwelling units they own to members under the Fair Housing Act?

1. Religious organizations

2. Public institutions

3. Charitable organizations

4. Government agencies

The correct answer is: Religious organizations

The Fair Housing Act does allow certain organizations to restrict dwelling units they own to specific groups of people. One key group that can do this is religious organizations. These organizations may limit occupancy to individuals who share their faith or belief system. This exemption is provided because it reflects the right of religious organizations to promote their values and congregational life. By maintaining residences that align with their beliefs, they can ensure that the community reflects their religious objectives. Meanwhile, public institutions, charitable organizations, and government agencies typically do not have similar exemptions under the Fair Housing Act, as they serve a broader public purpose and must adhere to non-discrimination policies in housing practices. Thus, religious organizations stand out as the correct answer in this context due to their unique allowance under the law to limit access based on religious membership.