October 2018 Coach's Quiz

We’ve suggested eight 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.

QUESTION #1

If your state does not ban discrimination based on source of income, then you are free 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 veterans 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. During the background check, you find out that an applicant who lives on Social Security skipped out on his previous apartment’s lease without paying rent for three months. 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

Your community is subject to state or local laws banning discrimination based on source of income. You’re willing to accept a resident who relies on Section 8 to move in, but you’re concerned that because he’s “on welfare,” he may cause more damage to his unit than your other residents. You have the right to collect a higher security deposit than you usually collect from residents to protect yourself in the event of excessive damage to the unit. True or false?

a. True.

b. False.