California Real Estate SalespersonPractice of Real Estate and DisclosuresHard
A prospective tenant is denied a rental unit because of their sexual orientation. Which California law specifically prohibits this type of housing discrimination and is enforced by the state's Civil Rights Department?
- AThe California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
- BThe Real Estate Law (Business and Professions Code)
- CThe Civil Rights Act of 1866
- DThe federal Fair Housing Act
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA)
FEHA prohibits housing discrimination in California based on numerous protected characteristics, including sexual orientation, gender identity, and source of income, and is enforced through the California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH), providing broader protections than the federal Fair Housing Act.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The Real Estate Law governs licensing, not general housing discrimination protections.
- C. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 addresses racial discrimination in property transactions, not sexual orientation.
- D. The federal act does not explicitly list sexual orientation as a protected class nationwide.
FEHA Housing Protections
California's Fair Employment and Housing Act extends broad housing discrimination protections, including sexual orientation and gender identity, enforced by the state's Civil Rights Department.
- Broader protected classes than federal Fair Housing Act
- Enforced by California Civil Rights Department (formerly DFEH)
- Covers housing, not just employment, despite its name
Memory trick: FEHA covers more — California goes beyond the federal floor.