Massachusetts Fair Housing Laws: Exam Study Guide
Study Massachusetts fair housing law for the real estate exam. Learn which protected classes Massachusetts adds beyond federal fair housing protections.
Massachusetts Fair Housing Laws: Exam Study Guide
Fair housing questions appear on both sections of the Massachusetts real estate exam. The national section tests the federal Fair Housing Act. The state section tests Massachusetts-specific additions — and the exam specifically asks you to identify what Massachusetts adds that federal law does not cover.
Federal Fair Housing Act — 7 Protected Classes
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on: 1. Race 2. Color 3. National origin 4. Religion 5. Sex 6. Familial status 7. Disability
These seven are tested on the national section. Memory aid: RRCNFSD.
Massachusetts Fair Housing — Additional Protected Classes
Massachusetts law (Chapter 151B) adds protection for:
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Marital status
- Ancestry
- Military service (veteran status)
The key exam point: Massachusetts is one of the most comprehensive fair housing states. An exam question may describe discrimination based on marital status or sexual orientation and ask whether it violates federal law, Massachusetts law, or both. Answer: Massachusetts law (these are not federal protected classes).
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD)
The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) enforces Chapter 151B. Individuals who believe they've been subject to housing discrimination file complaints with MCAD. This is distinct from federal HUD complaints under the federal Fair Housing Act.
Prohibited Conduct
Both federal and Massachusetts law prohibit: - Refusing to sell or rent to a protected class member - Steering (directing buyers or renters to neighborhoods based on protected class) - Blockbusting (inducing sellers to sell based on neighborhood demographic changes) - Discriminatory advertising (including online listings) - Misrepresenting availability - Refusing reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
Reasonable Accommodations and Modifications
Reasonable accommodation — A change in rules or policies to allow a person with a disability equal access (example: permitting a service animal in a no-pets building). Landlord bears this cost.
Reasonable modification — A physical change to the property to accommodate a person with a disability (example: installing a ramp). Tenant typically bears this cost in private housing.
Exemptions
Federal exemptions (the "Mrs. Murphy" exemption) apply to owner-occupied buildings with 4 or fewer units. Massachusetts may apply stricter rules limiting these exemptions. The general rule: if a broker is involved, fair housing law applies.
Common Exam Mistakes
- Including "marital status" in the federal protected classes (it's not)
- Forgetting that Massachusetts adds military service/veteran status
- Confusing reasonable accommodation (rule change) with reasonable modification (physical change)
- Not knowing that MCAD enforces Massachusetts fair housing (not MREC, though MREC can discipline licensees for violations)
Practice Massachusetts Fair Housing Questions
[CARealestate.com/states/massachusetts](https://carealestate.com/states/massachusetts) has fair housing practice questions covering both federal and Massachusetts protections. 5 free questions — no signup needed.
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