Wisconsin Real Estate Sales Practice Exam

Fair housing laws do not apply to which type of properties?

1. Residential properties

2. Fully commercial/industrial properties

3. Mixed-use properties

4. Rental properties for families

The correct answer is: Fully commercial/industrial properties

Fair housing laws primarily aim to eliminate discrimination in housing. These laws apply to residential properties, which include anything from single-family homes to multi-family dwellings, ensuring that individuals have equal access to housing regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. Fully commercial or industrial properties are not covered under the fair housing laws because these laws predominantly focus on residential living environments. Commercial properties, which are primarily used for business purposes, do not fall under the same protections as residential properties. Therefore, individuals seeking to lease or buy commercial/industrial properties are not protected by the same fair housing regulations that govern residential transactions. Mixed-use properties might include both residential and commercial components, and therefore, fair housing laws could apply to the residential parts of these properties. Similarly, rental properties intended for families are covered by these laws, which protect against discrimination in housing based on familial status. Overall, the distinction lies in the nature of the property: fair housing laws target residential housing to foster inclusive communities, while commercial and industrial properties operate under different legal frameworks that do not include those protections.