Question 75

Federal civil rights legislation permits an unlicensed landlord to rent only to women if the rental is a bedroom in the landlord's own house and no advertising is used.

This legislation allows for certain exemptions in housing discrimination laws, particularly for landlords renting out rooms in their own homes without public advertising. Such provisions are designed to strike a balance between individual property rights and anti-discrimination efforts.

A) a lender to use forms and records that refer to a loan applicant's race, color, religion, sex, or national origin

This option is incorrect as federal civil rights legislation prohibits lenders from using any criteria based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in their forms and records. Such practices would violate the principles of equal opportunity in lending.

B) an unlicensed landlord to rent only to women if the rental is a bedroom in the landlord's own house and no advertising is used

This option is correct as it reflects the exceptions provided under federal civil rights legislation. Specifically, it permits unlicensed landlords to engage in such practices when renting rooms in their own homes without public advertising, thus allowing for some degree of personal choice in housing.

C) a broker to inform a minority prospect that a house is unavailable for sale when, in fact, it is available

This option is incorrect because it represents a deceptive practice that violates fair housing laws. Brokers are prohibited from misleading prospective buyers based on their minority status, which constitutes discrimination.

D) a broker to imply that the racial composition of a neighborhood is going to change, thus encouraging homeowners in that neighborhood to list their homes with that broker

This option is incorrect as it promotes discriminatory practices known as "steering" and can create panic selling among homeowners based on race. Such implications are prohibited under federal civil rights legislation to ensure fair housing practices.

Conclusion

Option B is definitively correct because it aligns with the specific exemptions established in federal civil rights legislation regarding unlicensed landlords renting rooms in their own homes. All other options fail to comply with the principles of equal treatment and anti-discrimination, emphasizing the importance of fair housing laws in preventing discriminatory practices.