July 2013 Coach's Quiz
We’ve suggested six rules for complying with fair housing laws banning discrimination based on source of income. Now let’s look at how the rules might apply in the real world. Take the COACH’s Quiz to see what you’ve 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
If state law bans discrimination based on source of income, then it may be unlawful to refuse to accept Section 8 housing vouchers. True or false?
a. True.
b. False.
QUESTION #2
If your community is subject to laws banning discrimination based on source of income, then you may not reject an applicant because she relies on retirement benefits to pay her rent. True or false?
a. True.
b. False.
QUESTION #3
Your community is subject to laws banning discrimination based on source of income. You receive an application from a man who receives a housing subsidy, but during the background check, you find out that he has a lengthy criminal record. Since he doesn’t meet your screening criteria, you may reject his application without violating fair housing law. True or false?
a. True.
b. False.
QUESTION #4
If your state or municipality bans discrimination based on source of income, then it’s unlawful to require applicants to satisfy minimum income requirements and to verify that that applicants can satisfy that standard. True or false?
a. True.
b. False.
QUESTION #5
Your community is subject to state or local laws banning discrimination based on source of income. A resident relies on alimony and child support payments for her financial support, but you’re concerned that she may fall behind on her rent if her ex-husband doesn’t fulfill his obligations. Although other residents are allowed to mail rental checks, you have the right to ensure prompt payment by requiring her to bring cash to the office to pay her rent. True or false?
a. True.
b. False.
COACH’S ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS
QUESTION #1
Correct answer: a
Reason: Rule #1 applies here:
Rule #1: Get to Know State and Local Law
In many jurisdictions, laws banning discrimination based on source of income also cover public and private housing assistance, including Section 8 housing vouchers. But some don’t, so check with your attorney to get the details of state and municipal laws applicable to your community.
QUESTION #2
Correct answer: a
Reason: Rule #2 applies here:
Rule #2: Don’t Reject Applicants Based on Source of Income
To comply with laws banning discrimination based source of income, you may not refuse to rent to prospects because of where they get their income or means of financial support, including retirement benefits.
QUESTION #3
Correct answer: a
Reason: Rule #5 applies here:
Rule #5: Apply Standard Screening Policies
You don’t have to accept all applicants who receive housing assistance to comply with state or municipal laws banning source-of-income discrimination. You may reject an applicant if you have other nondiscriminatory reasons for rejecting him, such as a criminal record, as long as you apply that policy consistently to all applicants, regardless of their source of income.
QUESTION #4
Correct answer: b
Reason: Rule #5 applies here:
Rule #5: Apply Standard Screening Policies
Laws banning source-of-income discrimination don’t prevent communities from requiring all applicants to satisfy minimum income requirements, such as two or three times the rent, and to verify that that the applicant can satisfy that standard. Doing so doesn’t violate state or local laws banning discrimination based on source of income—as long as you apply the same income criteria (taking into account their financial assistance) to all applicants.
QUESTION #5
Correct answer: b
Reason: Rule #6 applies here:
Rule #6: Apply the Same Terms and Conditions, Regardless of Source of Income
Fair housing protections based on source of income don’t stop with the application process, so you may not treat residents differently or apply your rules and policies more strictly because of the source of their income. Even if you have concerns that she’ll fall behind on rent payments if her ex-husband doesn’t fulfill his obligation to pay alimony and child support, it’s unlawful to impose more stringent payment requirements on the resident based solely on the source of her income.
See The Lesson For This Quiz
| Complying with Fair Housing Laws Protecting Source of Income |