Illinois Leasing Agent Practice Exam

Which of the following actions would be considered unlawful under the Fair Housing Act?

1. Refusing to rent to someone based on income

2. Charging higher rent in a specific neighborhood

3. Advertising a property as "perfect for families"

4. Making a property available only to a certain race

The correct answer is: Making a property available only to a certain race

The Fair Housing Act aims to eliminate discrimination and promote equal housing opportunities. Making a property available only to a certain race is a clear violation of this act, as it directly discriminates against individuals based on their race. The Act prohibits any actions that limit housing access, services, or opportunities based on protected characteristics, which include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. This means that limiting availability to specific racial groups perpetuates systemic inequality and goes against the fundamental principles of fair housing. Such a practice would not only lead to legal repercussions but would also undermine the intent of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In contrast, while refusing to rent based on income might seem discriminatory in some contexts, it may not directly relate to the categories covered by the Fair Housing Act as income itself is not a protected class. Charging higher rent in specific neighborhoods can be influenced by market factors and does not inherently imply discrimination against a protected class. Advertising a property as "perfect for families" could be seen as promoting family-friendly characteristics rather than discriminatory practices, assuming it is not used to exclude individuals based on familial status. Overall, making a property available only to a certain race starkly violates the principles of fairness and equality outlined