Which federal act protects individuals from housing discrimination?

• A. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title II).
• B. The Federal Fair Housing Act.
• C. The Americans with Disabilities Act.
• D. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

Answer: (B)

The Federal Fair Housing Act is the main protection against housing discrimination. It bars discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. It also covers discriminatory advertising and practices by brokers or lenders, and it prohibits steering and blockbusting. This makes it the comprehensive federal rule governing housing transactions. Other laws touch related areas but do not address housing discrimination as a whole: the Civil Rights Act of 1964 targets discrimination in public accommodations; the Americans with Disabilities Act focuses on accessibility and discrimination in public spaces and employment; the Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits discrimination in credit decisions but doesn’t regulate housing transactions themselves.