Florida Broker Practice Exam

Which of the following is a prohibited activity under the Fair Housing Act?

1. Offering lower prices for homes

2. Refusing to rent to a protected class

3. Advertising open houses

4. Providing financial advice

The correct answer is: Refusing to rent to a protected class

Refusing to rent to a protected class is a prohibited activity under the Fair Housing Act because the Act is designed to eliminate discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. This means that landlords and property managers cannot deny housing opportunities or privileges to individuals based on these characteristics. Such actions are considered discriminatory and are legally actionable, as the Fair Housing Act aims to create equal housing opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background. In contrast, offering lower prices for homes may be a business strategy not inherently discriminatory unless it is based on the characteristics of a protected class. Advertising open houses is a standard practice in the real estate market and does not violate any laws. Providing financial advice, while potentially regulated in different ways, does not fall under the scope of housing discrimination. Therefore, refusing to rent to someone based on their belonging to a protected class is clearly in violation of the Fair Housing Act.