Casa Academy

Reviewed by Casa Academy and updated July 29, 2026 using the current DBPR checklist and Pearson VUE scheduling guidance.

Fair Housing Act of 1968

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act) prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, and disability in most residential sales, rentals, and financing, enforced by HUD with private right of action.

Exam context

Apply FHA 1968 to residential brokerage and rental questions. Later amendments added disability and familial status clarifications. Pair with Civil Rights Act of 1866 for race-only claims without HUD process requirements in some cases.

Prohibited conduct

Agents may not refuse to show, quote different terms, steer to neighborhoods, or advertise preferences based on protected classes. Blockbusting and discriminatory lending practices violate the Act. Religious organizations and owner-occupied small rentals may have limited exemptions, but state laws often expand coverage.

Enforcement and remedies

HUD investigates complaints and may refer cases to administrative law judges. Courts can award damages and injunctive relief. Licensees face disciplinary action for fair housing violations separate from federal penalties.

Examples

  • Familial status

    A landlord refuses to rent a two-bedroom unit to a parent with two children, citing noise concerns. Familial status discrimination violates the Fair Housing Act unless a valid exemption applies.

  • Steering

    An agent only shows homes in neighborhoods matching the buyer's ethnicity without asking preferences. Steering based on race or national origin violates federal fair housing law.

Keep studying

Practice fair housing act of 1968 questionsEnroll in pre-licensing

Related terms

Related resources

Sources