Vermont Fair Housing Guide for the Real Estate Exam
Learn federal and Vermont fair housing law for the PSI exam, including Vermont's expanded protections and Act 250 environmental considerations.
# Vermont Fair Housing Guide for the Real Estate Exam
Fair housing law is tested on both sections of the Vermont PSI exam. Vermont adds significant state-level protections beyond the federal framework.
Federal Fair Housing Act (1968)
The federal Fair Housing Act protects seven classes: 1. Race 2. Color 3. National origin 4. Religion 5. Sex 6. Familial status 7. Disability
These protections apply to the sale, rental, advertising, and financing of all housing — with limited exemptions for small owner-occupied buildings and private club housing.
Prohibited Practices
Steering: Directing clients toward or away from neighborhoods based on protected class.
Blockbusting: Inducing panic sales by suggesting that a protected class is moving in and will harm property values.
Redlining: Denying financial services based on neighborhood demographics.
Discriminatory advertising: Including language that expresses preferences or limitations based on protected class, including coded language.
Vermont's Fair Housing and Public Accommodations Act
Vermont's state fair housing law, found in 9 V.S.A. Chapter 139, adds the following protected classes beyond the federal law:
- Marital status
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity
- Source of income (including housing vouchers and public assistance)
- Age (in housing contexts)
- Place of birth
Vermont has some of the most expansive fair housing protections in the country. The Vermont Human Rights Commission enforces both state and federal fair housing laws.
On the Vermont state exam, expect questions distinguishing between what is protected federally and what Vermont adds at the state level.
Disability Accommodations
Vermont landlords must make reasonable accommodations for disabled tenants and allow reasonable modifications at the tenant's expense. For new multifamily housing construction of 4 or more units, federal accessibility design standards apply.
Vermont state law mirrors federal disability accommodation requirements and in some circumstances provides broader protections.
Fair Housing and Act 250
Vermont's Act 250 includes an environmental fairness criterion — significant developments must show they do not create disproportionate burdens on protected communities. While this is primarily a land use regulation, real estate licensees should understand the intersection of environmental law and fair housing principles.
Practice Scenarios
Scenario 1: A Vermont landlord refuses to accept a tenant who pays rent using Section 8 housing vouchers. Is this legal?
No. Source of income is a protected class under Vermont state law. Refusing to rent to Section 8 voucher holders violates Vermont fair housing law.
Scenario 2: A buyer asks their agent to show them only homes in neighborhoods without many families. What must the agent do?
Refuse. Familial status is a federally protected class. Steering buyers based on neighborhood demographics (even at the buyer's request) constitutes illegal steering under the Fair Housing Act.
Ready to test your knowledge?
Start with 5 free CA real estate exam questions — no signup required.
Take the Free Quiz →