June 2012 Coach's Quiz

We have offered six Dos and Don'ts for conducting criminal background checks in compliance with fair housing law. Now let’s look at how the rules might apply in the real world. Take the COACH’s Quiz to see what you have learned.

INSTRUCTIONS: On a separate piece of paper, write down the number of each question, followed by the answer you think is correct—for example, (1) b, (2) a, and so on. The correct answers follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

To send a message that your community has a zero-tolerance policy toward criminals, you currently conduct criminal background checks and reject applications if the applicant or adult members of their households have a criminal record. Since the FHA doesn’t protect criminal offenders, you don’t have to worry about a federal fair housing claim based on this policy. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #2

It’s risky to reject applications based solely on arrest records without setting limits on the nature and severity of the charges and how long ago the arrest occurred. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #3

You haven’t required criminal background checks in the past, but you’ve been hearing reports about gangs moving into your neighborhood. If it helps to keep gang activity out of your community, you could require criminal background checks on anyone who looks like a gang member without violating fair housing law. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.