Housing Counselor Certification (HUD) Practice Exam

Which are protected characteristics under the federal Fair Housing Act?

1. Gender, education level, and ethnicity

2. Race, religion, and disability

3. Marital status, age, and income

4. Occupation, nationality, and residency

The correct answer is: Race, religion, and disability

The correct response highlights specific characteristics that are explicitly protected under the federal Fair Housing Act. The Act aims to prevent discrimination in housing based on several defined categories that are essential to safeguarding individuals’ rights in housing. Race is a protected characteristic because discrimination based on race has been historically prevalent, and the Act seeks to eliminate any barriers that individuals may face in accessing housing based solely on their racial background. Similarly, religion is protected, ensuring that individuals cannot be denied housing or treated unfavorably because of their religious beliefs or practices. Disability is another critical area of protection, as it addresses the need for equitable access to housing for individuals with disabilities, requiring accommodations and modifications for their specific needs. The other choices contain characteristics that are not included in the Fair Housing Act. For instance, education level, marital status, age, and certain personal economic conditions like income are not part of the federal protections under the Act, even though some states may offer additional protections. Each protected characteristic mentioned in the correct answer plays a significant role in fostering equality and preventing discrimination in housing, which is the cornerstone of the Fair Housing Act.