Brokerage Operations

# Brokerage Operations: Practice & Fair Housing > Exam weight: ~12% — This is one of the highest-yield sections on the Illinois Real Estate Salesperson exam. Expect multiple questions on protected classes, prohibited conduct, trust account rules, advertising, and antitrust. Knowing the difference between federal and Illinois-specific protections is especially critical. --- ## The Federal Fair Housing Act The Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) prohibits discrimination in housing based on seven protected classes: | Protected Class | Notes | |---|---| | Race | Always protected | | Color | Always protected | | National Origin | Always protected | | Religion | Always protected | | Sex | Always protected | | Familial Status | Households with children under 18; pregnant persons | | Handicap (Disability) | Physical or mental impairment | These seven classes apply nationwide to the sale, rental, financing, and advertising of housing. --- ## Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA) — Additional Protections Illinois goes further than federal law. The Illinois Human Rights Act adds the following protected classes on top of the federal seven: | Illinois-Only Protected Class | |---| | Ancestry | | Marital Status | | Military Status / Unfavorable Discharge | | Sexual Orientation | | Gender Identity | | Order of Protection Status | Key exam point: When a question asks about Illinois specifically, you must apply *both* the federal classes *and* the Illinois additions. Illinois offers broader protection — federal law is the floor,…