October 2011 Coach's Quiz

September 5, 2011

We've given you six rules for complying with fair housing rules banning sex discrimination. Now let's look at how the rules might apply in the real world. Take the COACH's Quiz to see what you have learned.

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the following questions has only one correct answer. On a separate piece of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you think is correct—for example, 1)b, 2)a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

We've given you six rules for complying with fair housing rules banning sex discrimination. Now let's look at how the rules might apply in the real world. Take the COACH's Quiz to see what you have learned.

INSTRUCTIONS: Each of the following questions has only one correct answer. On a separate piece of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you think is correct—for example, 1)b, 2)a, and so on. The correct answers (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

A young man and two male roommates want to rent a three-bedroom unit at your community. Though there's a unit available, it has been newly renovated. To avoid likely property damage or noise complaints from other residents, the leasing agent tells them that there are no vacancies and suggests that they might try another community down the street. The unit is later rented to three young women. Since the leasing agent has legitimate reasons for his actions, he wouldn't be liable for sex discrimination under federal fair housing law. True or false?

  1. True.

  2. False.

QUESTION #2

A single mother with one child applies for a one-bedroom unit. Her income from her part-time job plus the child support she receives from her ex-boyfriend satisfies your income requirements. Although you have concerns that the father may not pay on time or as promised, you could be accused of housing discrimination if you refuse to consider the child support as part of her income. True or false?

  1. True.

  2. False.

QUESTION #3

A male resident has reported that your maintenance man has been sexually harassing him. Your community could be liable for sexual harassment if you fail to take appropriate action to investigate and resolve the complaint. True or false?

  1. True.

  2. False.

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Coach's Answers and Explanations

QUESTION #1

Correct answer: b

Reason: Rule #1 applies here:

Rule #1: Don't Screen Out Applicants Based on Their Gender

The leasing agent could be found liable for sex discrimination by excluding the male applicants based on preconceived notions that they are more likely to cause property damage or noise complaints than female applicants. Under the FHA, it's unlawful to exclude applicants—of either sex—based on preconceived notions that applicants of the other sex would make better residents.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rule #2 applies here:

Rule #2: Apply Reasonable Screening Criteria to Applicants, Regardless of Their Gender

Since most recipients of alimony and child support are women, you could be accused of discrimination based on sex for refusal to consider the applicant's child support as part of her income. Furthermore, such a practice could run afoul of state or local laws banning housing discrimination based on lawful source of income, including alimony and child support.

QUESTION #3

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rule #4 applies here:

Rule #4: Enforce Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Sexual Harassment

Federal fair housing law protects both men and women from sex discrimination, including same-sex sexual harassment. Whether motivated by sexual desire or by hostility toward a particular gender, sexual harassment is unlawful—even if the harasser and the victim are of the same sex.

See The Lesson For This Quiz

Complying with Fair Housing Rules Banning Sex Discrimination

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