September 2019 Coach's Quiz

In this lesson, we’ve given you seven rules to comply 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: Each of the following questions has only one correct answer. 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 (with explanations) follow the quiz. Good luck!

QUESTION #1

Federal fair housing law bans housing discrimination based on (list all that apply):

a.   Sex.

b.   Sexual orientation.

c.   Familial status.

d.   Marital status.

e.   Religion.

f.    Disability.

g.   Age.

h.   Color.

i.    Source of income.

j.    National origin.

k.    Race.

QUESTION #2

You overhear a leasing consultant discussing politics in the office, expressing his belief that anyone who doesn’t speak English should go back to where they came from. Since he has a right to his personal opinions, you shouldn’t worry that it could cause fair housing trouble. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #3

You’ve just been hired to answer phones in the leasing office. Since you’ve already had experience working at another community, you don’t need fair housing training before getting to work. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

QUESTION #4

You could raise concerns about discrimination based on race or national origin just from the way you handle phone calls—even if you don’t know what the prospect looks like. True or false?

a.   True.

b.   False.

COACH’S ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS

QUESTION #1

Correct answers: a, c, e, f, h, j, k

Reason: Rules #1 & #2 apply here:

     Rule #1: Get to Know Fair Housing Law

     Rule #2: Learn Applicable State and Local Fair Housing Laws

Federal law currently lists seven protected characteristics—race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability, but some state, county, and municipal governments also ban discrimination based on some or all of the other characteristics listed.

QUESTION #2

Correct answer: b

Reason: Rules #3 & #4 apply here:

     Rule #3: Watch What You Say

     Rule #4: Watch Your Tone

Although everyone has the right to have his own personal beliefs and opinions, the leasing consultant’s comments do raise fair housing concerns. If his political views affect his attitude or behavior toward any prospects or residents who look or sound like they weren’t born in this country, then it could lead to a perception of bias—if not outright discrimination—based on national origin, race, or other protected class.

QUESTION #3

Correct answer: b

Reason: Rule #5 applies apply here.

     Rule #5: Get Up to Speed ASAP

Despite your previous experience, it’s a good idea to get at least some training in how this community complies with fair housing law before you get to work answering the phones. In fact, it’s a good idea get some training in fair housing basics as part of the orientation process, regardless of what you do at the community.

QUESTION #4

Correct answer: a

Reason: Rule #5 applies here:

     Rule #5: Get Up to Speed ASAP

The way you handle phone calls and emails could raise concerns about linguistic profiling—discrimination against a person based on how his voice sounds—if the prospect gets the impression that he is unwelcome or is being treated differently based on his race or national origin.