PSI Virginia Real Estate Practice Exam

Which of the following is exempt from the Fair Housing Act?

1. Owner-occupied buildings with more than four units

2. Single-family housing sold or rented through a broker

3. Owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units

4. Housing that does not limit occupancy to members

The correct answer is: Owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units

The correct answer identifies that owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units are exempt from the Fair Housing Act. This is because, under the Fair Housing Act, there is a specific exemption for buildings that have a small number of units when the owner lives on the premises. It allows individual homeowners to rent out a portion of their property without being bound by the same fair housing regulations that apply to larger multi-family dwellings or commercial rental properties. This exemption exists to encourage homeownership and small-scale rental arrangements, allowing owners to maintain a level of personal discretion in renting out their own living spaces. Therefore, if you have a building with four or fewer units and the owner occupies one of those units, they are not subject to the extensive requirements laid out by the Fair Housing Act. In contrast, buildings with more than four units, single-family housing sold or rented through a broker, and housing that does not limit occupancy to members of a specific group fall under the purview of the Fair Housing Act, which promotes equal housing opportunities and prohibits discrimination. Thus, the exemption for small, owner-occupied buildings is a notable distinction within the legislation.