====== Federal Fair Housing Law ======

The **Federal Fair Housing Law** (Fair Housing Act of 1968) prohibits **discrimination in housing-related activities** based on certain **protected classes**.

===== Protected Classes =====
  * **Race** or **Color**
  * **Religion**
  * **Sex** (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
  * **National Origin**
  * **Familial Status**
    * Presence of children under 18
    * Pregnant women
  * **Disability** (physical or mental)

===== Prohibited Discriminatory Practices =====
  * Refusing to sell, rent, or negotiate
  * Setting different terms or conditions
  * Steering buyers or tenants
  * Discriminatory advertising
  * Denying access to services or facilities
  * Harassment or intimidation

===== Exemptions =====
  * **Owner-occupied buildings with 4 units or fewer**
  * **Single-family homes** rented or sold without a broker
  * **Religious organizations** (limited scope)
  * **Private clubs** (non-commercial housing)

(Advertising rules still apply in most cases.)

===== Disability Protections =====
  * Reasonable accommodations must be allowed
  * Reasonable modifications must be permitted (at tenant’s expense)
  * No additional fees or deposits may be charged

===== Enforcement =====
  * Enforced by **HUD**
  * Complaints must generally be filed within **1 year**
  * Civil lawsuits may be filed within **2 years**

===== Exam Tip =====
  * Memorize **protected classes**
  * Steering and discriminatory ads are **always illegal**
  * Exemptions are **narrow and frequently tested**