Fair HousingIntermediateCalifornia Exam

Under California law, the penalty for a first violation of the Unruh Civil Rights Act includes:

AA warning letter only, per standard fair housing compliance practice

BActual damages, up to three times the amount of actual damages (minimum $4,000), and attorney's feesCorrect

CLicense revocation by the DRE, under federal and California fair housing law

DA criminal fine of up to $500, as defined under the Fair Employment and Housing Act

Why Actual damages, up to three times the amount of actual damages (minimum $4,000), and attorney's fees Is Correct

Answer B: Actual damages, up to three times the amount of actual damages (minimum $4,000), and attorney's fees

Under the Unruh Civil Rights Act, a victim of discrimination may recover actual damages, punitive damages, and a civil penalty of up to three times actual damages (with a minimum of $4,000 per violation), plus attorney's fees. In California, fair housing protections are enforced by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD, formerly DFEH) under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

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.

Blockbusting

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

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.

State-Specific Concepts

DRE Regulation

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