Massachusetts Fair Housing
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
Fair housing is tested on every real estate exam in the country, but Massachusetts candidates must know both federal and state-level protections. While Massachusetts enforces the seven federal protected classes (race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability), the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons also tests how these protections apply in Massachusetts-specific rental, sales, and advertising scenarios. Steering, blockbusting, redlining, and discriminatory advertising are all tested — and candidates who think they know fair housing cold often miss the state-specific extensions or the nuanced application scenarios. Review every question here carefully.
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Massachusetts Fair Housing — Practice Questions & Answers
106 questions on Fair Housing from the Massachusetts real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 106.
Q1. The federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 prohibits discrimination based on all of the following EXCEPT:
Explanation
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. Sexual orientation is NOT a federally protected class under the FHA, although Massachusetts state law does protect it.
Q2. Massachusetts fair housing law provides additional protected classes beyond the federal Fair Housing Act, including:
Explanation
Massachusetts adds several protected classes beyond federal law, including sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, age, and source of income (e.g., Section 8 vouchers), providing broader anti-discrimination protections.
Q3. Steering is BEST defined as:
Explanation
Steering is the illegal practice of directing buyers or renters toward or away from certain neighborhoods or properties based on their race, religion, national origin, or other protected class characteristics.
Q4. A landlord refuses to rent to a family with young children, citing concern for property wear. This is an example of:
Explanation
Refusing to rent to families with children (under 18) because of concern about property wear is illegal discrimination based on familial status under the Fair Housing Act.
Q5. Blockbusting is an illegal practice where a real estate agent:
Explanation
Blockbusting (panic selling) is the illegal practice of inducing homeowners to sell by suggesting that people of a particular race, religion, or national origin are moving into the area, thereby depressing property values.
Q6. Redlining is the illegal practice of:
Explanation
Redlining is the discriminatory practice of refusing to provide mortgage loans, insurance, or other financial services to residents in certain geographic areas based on racial or ethnic composition rather than creditworthiness.
Q7. Under the federal Fair Housing Act, which of the following is a permissible exemption?
Explanation
The Fair Housing Act contains a limited private sale exemption for individual owners of single-family homes who sell without a broker and without discriminatory advertising. This exemption does not apply to brokers or to owners of multiple properties.
Q8. A landlord who requires a higher security deposit from a tenant with a disability is guilty of:
Explanation
Charging higher deposits or fees based on a person's disability is illegal discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. Landlords cannot treat people with disabilities differently in financial terms of rental.
Q9. Under the Fair Housing Act, a reasonable accommodation for a person with a disability might include:
Explanation
A reasonable accommodation is a change in rules, policies, or services to allow a person with a disability equal opportunity to use and enjoy housing. Allowing a service or assistance animal in a no-pets building is a classic example.
Q10. Massachusetts Chapter 151B provides fair housing protections that are:
Explanation
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 151B provides broader fair housing protections than federal law, adding protected classes such as sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, age, and source of income.
Q11. A real estate advertisement that states 'Perfect for Young Professionals' could be considered:
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