Oregon 30-Hour Real Estate Law Practice Test

If a property manager denies a rental application based on the applicant's nationality, what law may be violated?

1. The Fair Housing Act

2. The Americans with Disabilities Act

3. The Resume Act

4. The Equal Opportunity Employment Act

The correct answer is: The Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that prohibits discrimination in housing based on several protected characteristics, including race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. When a property manager denies a rental application based on the applicant’s nationality, this action specifically contravenes the provisions set forth in the Fair Housing Act that protect individuals from discrimination on account of their national origin. The relevance of this law in the context of a rental application is crucial, as it is designed to ensure fair access to housing opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their nationality or ethnic background. Denying an application based on nationality not only undermines the principles of equality and justice but also exposes the property manager or the property management company to legal ramifications under this Act. While the Americans with Disabilities Act focuses on preventing discrimination against individuals with disabilities, and the Equal Opportunity Employment Act pertains to employment practices rather than housing, these do not have applicability in this situation concerning nationality-based discrimination in housing. The Resume Act is not a recognized federal law in this context, making it irrelevant to the question at hand. Thus, the most appropriate and correct response is the Fair Housing Act.