2. Which of the following is considered an act of discrimination under federal fair housing laws?

Answer: A

Explanation:

Renting only to members of a particular religion

Renting only to members of a particular religion is considered an act of discrimination under federal fair housing laws. Such practices violate the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on religion among other protected characteristics.

A) Renting only to members of a particular religion

This option is correct because it directly violates federal fair housing laws, which protect individuals from discrimination based on religion. It is illegal to restrict housing opportunities based on a person's religious beliefs, thus constituting a discriminatory practice.

B) Renting to a married couple

This option is incorrect as it does not represent discrimination under federal fair housing laws. The law does not prohibit landlords from renting to married couples; in fact, renting to couples is a common practice and is not considered discriminatory.

C) Renting to an individual with good credit

This option is also incorrect. Renting to individuals based on their creditworthiness is a standard practice in the housing market and is not considered discrimination under federal laws. Credit checks are a legitimate measure to assess a prospective tenant’s ability to pay rent.

D) Showing a property to qualified buyers only

This option is incorrect as well. Showing a property to qualified buyers is a legal practice that aligns with fair housing laws, provided that the criteria for qualification do not discriminate against any protected class. This practice is aimed at ensuring that potential tenants meet financial and other relevant criteria.

Conclusion

In summary, the only option that clearly violates federal fair housing laws is renting only to members of a particular religion. All other options represent legitimate practices within the housing market that do not discriminate against protected classes. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for compliance with fair housing regulations.