What are the 7 protected classes under Fair Housing laws?

The seven protected classes under Fair Housing laws are specifically established to prevent discrimination in housing and include: familial status, race, sex, handicap status (also referred to as disability), color, religion, and national origin.

This classification is integral to understanding Fair Housing legislation as it aims to ensure that individuals are not denied housing opportunities based on these characteristics. Familial status protects families with children under the age of 18, while handicap status ensures that individuals with disabilities are afforded equal opportunities in housing. The inclusion of race, sex, color, religion, and national origin reflects the broader need to promote equality and prevent discrimination across various facets of identity.

In contrast, the other choices include categories that are not recognized as protected classes under these laws, such as age and income, which may be relevant in other contexts but do not fall under the Fair Housing Act’s provisions. This precise identification of protected classes is essential for real estate professionals to adhere to legal requirements and foster equitable housing practices.