Fair Housing

In Rhode Island, a homeowner's association that imposes a rule requiring approval for all exterior modifications must apply that rule:

AMore strictly to units owned by non-residents

BConsistently and without regard to the owner's protected class membership✓ Correct

COnly to units visible from the street

DDifferently for owners who have lived there longer

Explanation

HOA rules and approval processes must be applied consistently and without discrimination based on protected class status. Selectively enforcing rules against members of a particular race, religion, or other protected class violates fair housing law.

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.

Short Sale

A sale of real property where the sale proceeds are less than the outstanding mortgage balance, requiring lender approval.

Joint Tenancy

Co-ownership where two or more people hold equal, undivided interests with the right of survivorship — when one owner dies, their share passes to the surviving owners.