Which factors do NOT typically lead to a housing violation under the FHA?

The reasoning behind why occupancy restrictions based solely on income do not typically lead to a housing violation under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) is rooted in the intent of the legislation and the distinctions it makes regarding discrimination. The FHA is primarily concerned with preventing discrimination based on specific protected classes, such as race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status.

Occupancy restrictions that focus on income can be viewed as a measure to ensure housing affordability and may not target any specific protected class. Such restrictions can be justified by managing economic factors rather than discriminatory intent. For instance, a landlord may implement income-based occupancy limits to ensure tenants can afford rent, which is a financial consideration rather than a discriminatory practice.

On the other hand, factors such as individual characteristics of a property, advertising designed to exclude certain groups, and refusal to rent based on someone's race are all actions that directly violate the principles set forth by the FHA, as they clearly indicate discriminatory practices based on protected characteristics. This distinction is crucial for understanding the application of fair housing laws in real-world scenarios.

Thus, occupancy restrictions grounded in income alone are generally acceptable under the FHA, as they are not inherently discriminatory in nature, unlike the other options listed.