Which of the following statements about the Fair Housing Act's applicability is correct?

• A. A tenant in a rental building seeking housing
• B. A property management company that handles rentals
• C. A buyer who purchases a home
• D. An owner who lists his personal house with a broker

Answer: (D)

Fair Housing Act applies to housing transactions and to the people and entities that facilitate them, especially real estate brokers. When an owner lists his personal house with a broker, the broker becomes the intermediary conducting the sale. Any advertising, showing, negotiating, or terms offered through that broker must comply with non-discrimination rules. That makes this scenario a clear example of the Act’s applicability because it centers on the broker’s involvement in a housing transaction.

The other situations involve individuals seeking housing or typical rental activity, which are protected by the law, but the scenario that clearly demonstrates the Act in action is the owner working with a broker, since the broker’s conduct in marketing and negotiating is what the Act governs.