78. Which of the following is the best example of the protection offered by fair housing laws to a person with a disability?
Answer: C
A person who is blind and uses a seeing-eye dog must be allowed to rent in a building that does not allow pets.
This statement exemplifies the protection offered by fair housing laws to individuals with disabilities, specifically addressing the rights of a person with a visual impairment who requires the assistance of a seeing-eye dog.
A) An addict using an illegal drug must be allowed to rent.
This option is incorrect as fair housing laws do not protect individuals who are currently using illegal drugs. While individuals with a history of drug addiction may be protected, current illegal use does not fall under the protections offered to persons with disabilities.
B) A person with a mental disability, regardless of the degree of disability, must be allowed to rent.
While this statement reflects the protections for individuals with mental disabilities, it lacks specificity regarding reasonable accommodations or requirements, which are central to fair housing laws. Thus, it does not provide the best example of the protections offered.
C) A person who is blind and uses a seeing-eye dog must be allowed to rent in a building that does not allow pets.
This is the best example as it highlights the reasonable accommodation required under fair housing laws, allowing individuals with disabilities to use service animals even in pet-restricted housing. This directly aligns with the protections afforded to persons with disabilities.
D) A lessor must make modifications to a rental unit to allow any person with a physical disability to rent.
Although this option refers to the obligations of lessors under fair housing laws, it is misleading because modifications are not required for every physical disability. The requirement for modifications is contingent on the specific needs of the tenant and the feasibility of such changes.
Conclusion
Option C clearly illustrates the protections guaranteed by fair housing laws, particularly the rights of individuals with disabilities who may require assistance animals. Other options either misinterpret the law or fail to exemplify the specific protections that fair housing laws provide, making C the definitive choice.