Fair Housing

Fair Housing in Illinois Real Estate Practice Fair housing questions appear throughout the Illinois Broker exam — especially in the "Real Estate Practice" section worth ~12% of your score — so mastering both the federal law *and* Illinois-specific additions is essential for passing. --- ## Why This Section Matters The exam tests whether you can identify illegal conduct, apply the correct law (federal vs. Illinois), and know the proper enforcement deadlines. Expect scenario-based questions where you must spot a violation or choose the correct protected class. --- ## The Federal Fair Housing Act The Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on seven protected classes: | # | Federal Protected Class | |---|---| | 1 | Race | | 2 | Color | | 3 | National origin | | 4 | Religion | | 5 | Sex | | 6 | Familial status | | 7 | Handicap (disability) | > Memory tip: "RNCR FSH" — Race, National origin, Color, Religion, Familial Status, Sex, Handicap. These classes cover virtually all residential real estate transactions. Familial status protects households with children under 18 (including pregnant women), and handicap includes both physical and mental disabilities. --- ## Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) — Additional Protections Illinois extends fair housing protection beyond the seven federal classes. The Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) adds: | Additional IL Protected Class | |---| | Ancestry | | Marital status | | Military status / unfavorable discharge | | Sexual orientation | | Gender identity | | Order of protection status | Key exam rule: When Illinois law is *more protective* than federal law, Illinois law…