Question 72

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.

The Fair Housing Act allows for certain exemptions in specific housing situations. One such exemption applies to owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, where the owner can set preferences regarding the tenants.

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

This option is correct because the Fair Housing Act includes an exemption for owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, allowing the owner to rent to a specific demographic, such as adult men.

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 protections against discrimination based on familial status. Refusing to rent based on a woman's custody of her grandson constitutes discrimination against families with children.

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

This option is incorrect because it can potentially lead to discrimination based on national origin or ethnicity. The Fair Housing Act prohibits advertising that implies a preference or limitation based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin.

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

This option is incorrect as it violates the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination against individuals based on disability. Charging higher security deposits for persons with disabilities constitutes discriminatory practice.

Conclusion

In summary, option A is the only choice that aligns with the exemptions provided under the Fair Housing Act for owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units. All other options either violate the Act by discriminating against protected classes or set unjust requirements that are not permissible under federal law.