Fair Housing on the Alabama Real Estate Exam
Federal fair housing law and Alabama additions for the salesperson exam — 7 protected classes, prohibited practices, and enforcement.
Fair housing appears on every Alabama exam. Here's what you need to know.
Federal Fair Housing Act: 7 Protected Classes
1. Race, 2. Color, 3. Religion, 4. National Origin, 5. Sex, 6. Disability, 7. Familial Status.
Alabama Additions
Alabama's state fair housing law generally mirrors federal protections. Alabama does not add significant additional protected classes at the state level beyond the federal seven.
Prohibited Practices
Steering: Directing buyers/renters based on protected class. Blockbusting: Inducing sales by suggesting protected class members are moving in. Redlining: Refusing financing based on neighborhood racial composition. Discriminatory advertising: Indicating preference or limitation based on protected class.
Exemptions
- Mrs. Murphy (owner-occupied, 4 or fewer units): The owner is exempt from the Fair Housing Act but not from advertising restrictions.
- Single-family homes sold by owner without a broker (max 3 homes owned): Exempt if no discriminatory advertising.
- Religious organizations: May restrict housing to members for non-commercial purposes.
AREC and Fair Housing
Alabama licensees who violate fair housing face AREC disciplinary action (license suspension/revocation) in addition to HUD enforcement. AREC takes fair housing violations seriously as professional misconduct.
[Practice fair housing at CARealestate.com/states/alabama](https://carealestate.com/states/alabama)
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