1.
Anyone can file a fair housing complaint (a resident, a visitor, a property manager, etc).
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The only way to stop housing discrimination is to report it. Our Fair Housing Advocate Contact here at Community Rebuilders is Anna Diaz.
2.
Maintenance staff can not be held responsible for stating a preference for certain types of tenants under fair housing laws.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The Fair Housing Act applies to all housing providers and staff, ignorance is no defense.
3.
Gender orientation is not a protected class in Grand Rapids.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The City of Grand Rapids Housing ordinance: The opportunity to purchase, lease, sell, hold, use and convey dwelling housing or dwelling units without discrimination because of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, familial status, disability, source of lawful income, public assistance recipient status or gender orientation is hereby recognized and declared to be a civil right. It shall not be a violation of this section for the owner of an owner-occupied one family or two family dwelling to restrict occupancy.
4.
A craigslist (website classified) ad that describes the type of tenant a landlord wants to rent to is acceptable under fair housing laws.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Regardless of any exemptions, all housing providers are prohibited from advertising in a discriminatory manner, including promotional materials, flyers, signs, banners, newspaper, internet advertisement and verbal statements made.
5.
Sexual harassment is a crime but it is not covered by fair housing laws.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits threats, coercion, or intimidation, including sexual harassment.
6.
A housing provider must consider a potential tenant's request for a reasonable accommodation or modification prior to move-in.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
A modification or accommodation can be requested at any time.
7.
The Fair Housing Act protects people with physical disabilities but does not apply to mental disabilities.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The federal Fair Housing Act protects persons with physical and mental disabilities including HIV/AIDS, alcoholics, and previous drug users. However, the law does not protect a person who is currently using illegal drugs.
8.
From the following list, please check all of the protected classes under federal and Michigan state fair housing laws:
Correct Answer(s)
B. Race
C. Marital status
E. Sex
F. Age
J. National origin
L. Handicap status
N. Familial status
Q. Color
R. Religion
Explanation
The correct answer includes the protected classes under federal and Michigan state fair housing laws. These laws prohibit discrimination in housing based on certain characteristics or attributes. The protected classes listed in the answer include race, marital status, sex, age, national origin, handicap status, familial status, color, and religion. These classes are protected to ensure equal access to housing opportunities and prevent discrimination based on these characteristics.
9.
Tenants with children can be told they have to live on ground floor units so as not to bother other tenants.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This is an example of 'steering' a tenant based on familial status. Such policies limit the housing choice for families with children (which are not limiting for people without children) and violate fair housing laws.
10.
Residents who use a wheelchair can be charged a higher security deposit because they will cause more wear and tear in the apartment.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
A landlord may not charge a higher security deposit for a tenant who has a disability. Liability is not an excuse to treat a tenant differently. This would be an example of enforcing different terms and conditions upon a tenant due to their disability.
11.
Siblings who are of the opposite sex must sleep in separate bedrooms if the landlord has a written policy.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Mandating that boys and girls have separate bedrooms is a violation of fair housing laws. The decision over sleeping arrangements in a household is left to that of the family, not the housing provider.
12.
A landlord may NOT obtain a pet deposit from residents who will have a service or companion animal living with them.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
It is illegal under the Fair Housing laws to request a pet deposit for a 'service animal'. This would be an example of a reasonable accommodation because the pet is not a choice but rather a necessity. Therefore the animal is not considered a 'pet' in this situation.
13.
An advertisement for a 1 bedroom apt. is placed in the local paper seeking 'single, young professional'. This is an example of an illegal advertisement.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
An ad that shows a preference for 'single' individuals discourages families with children from renting a unit. Furthermore, the term 'young professional' discourages tenants who are elderly and/or those unable to work due to a disability.