Question 22

Renting rooms to only adult men in an owner-occupied four-unit building is generally permissible under the federal Fair Housing Act and its Amendments.

This practice is typically allowed as the Fair Housing Act has exemptions for owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, permitting the owner to rent rooms based on sex.

A) renting rooms to only adult men in an owner-occupied four-unit building

This option is correct because the Fair Housing Act allows certain exemptions for owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units. In such cases, the owner can control who they rent to, which can include preferences based on gender.

B) refusing to rent a luxury apartment to a woman with custody of her grandson

This option is incorrect as it violates the Fair Housing Act's prohibition against discrimination based on familial status. Refusing to rent to a woman with a child, regardless of the apartment's luxury status, constitutes discrimination.

C) advertising a condo online as being in a good Middle Eastern neighborhood

This option is incorrect because it could be interpreted as discriminatory advertising, which the Fair Housing Act prohibits. While describing a neighborhood may not inherently be discriminatory, implying preference for a particular race or ethnicity can lead to violations.

D) requiring persons with disabilities to pay higher than usual security deposits

This option is incorrect as it discriminates against individuals with disabilities, violating the Fair Housing Act. The Act mandates that individuals with disabilities should not be treated less favorably regarding security deposits or other rental terms.

Conclusion

In summary, option A is the only choice that aligns with the exemptions provided under the Fair Housing Act for owner-occupied buildings. All other options either directly violate the Act or suggest discriminatory practices that are not permissible, underscoring the importance of fair treatment in housing.