Fair HousingIntermediateAlaska Exam

Which of the following best describes 'tester' programs used to enforce fair housing law?

AProperty inspections conducted before listing a home

BIndividuals who pose as homebuyers or renters to determine if discrimination is occurringCorrect

CCredit score verification programs used by lenders

DBackground check services offered by property management companies, under standard practice

Why Individuals who pose as homebuyers or renters to determine if discrimination is occurring Is Correct

Answer B: Individuals who pose as homebuyers or renters to determine if discrimination is occurring

Fair housing testers pose as potential buyers or renters to detect discriminatory practices. Testers from different protected classes may contact the same landlord or agent to compare the treatment received.

Exam Tip: Fair Housing

Fair Housing questions test both federal (Fair Housing Act of 1968) and state-level protected classes. The federal protected classes are race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, and disability. Many states add additional protections.

People Also Study

Key Terms to Know

Fair Housing Act

Federal law prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, and familial status.

Steering

An illegal practice where a real estate agent directs buyers toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on the buyer's race, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics.

Redlining

An illegal practice where lenders or insurers deny services or charge higher rates in certain neighborhoods based on the racial or ethnic composition of those areas.

Blockbusting

An illegal practice of inducing homeowners to sell by claiming that the entry of minority groups will lower property values.