Fair HousingAdvancedDelaware Exam

Under the Fair Housing Act, what is a 'hostile environment' harassment claim?

AA claim arising when a landlord is verbally hostile to a tenant

BA fair housing claim when a landlord's severe or pervasive conduct based on a protected class creates a hostile environment that interferes with the tenant's enjoyment of housing

CA claim filed when neighbors harass a new resident based on protected class

DBoth B and CCorrect

Why Both B and C Is Correct

Answer D: Both B and C

Hostile environment harassment occurs when a landlord (or neighbors, with the landlord's knowledge) engages in severe or pervasive conduct based on a protected class that interferes with the tenant's quiet enjoyment of housing. This can include racial slurs, sexual harassment, or religious harassment by either the landlord directly or neighbors if the landlord fails to address it.

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.

Key Fair Housing Terms in This Question

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.

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.

State-Specific Concepts

DRE Regulation

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Fair Housing Laws Guide

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