Housing Discrimination

Question 1

The “Fair Housing Act of 1968” allows civil suits to be brought by those discriminated against based on: (6 things)

Answer 1

Race
Color
Religion
Familial Status (Added in 1988)
Sex (Added in 1974)
Handicap (Added later)

Question 2

T/F: A Landlord cannot refuse “reasonable modifications” at the tenants own expense if the tenant promises to return the premises to its original condition

Answer 2

True

Question 3

T/F: Retirement communities can keep younger folks out

Answer 3

True - its an exception

Question 4

T/F: If an owner does not own more than 3 single family homes, they CAN discriminate contrary to the fair housing act

Answer 4

True

Question 5

T/F: The Fair Housing Act does not apply to dwellings with 4 of fewer living units IF the owner lives in one of them

Answer 5

True

Question 6

Which is a stronger route for making a case on discrimination?
Discriminatory impact or discriminatory treatment?

Answer 6

Discriminatory Treatment

Question 7

T/F: 7th circuit has said that “impact” could substitute for intent under the Fair Housing Act (not under equal protection)

Answer 7

True

Question 8

How are “suitability requirements” used by the US Housing Authority different from eligibility requirements?

Answer 8

Not about income level

More like
- Paying bills on time
- Keeping housing clean
- Not disturbing other tenants
- Alcohol abuse

Question 9

T/F: “No fault evictions” can result in public housing tenants losing their home when friends or relatives breach lease provisions (such as bringing drugs on the premises)

Answer 9

True (United States v. Rucker)

Question 10

What percent of a tenants income is Section 8 capped at?

Answer 10

30% of gross monthly income - the rest is subsidized by the government

Question 11

T/F: Housing tax credits can be sold

Answer 11

True