Fair Housing

Fair Housing in Texas Exam: Texas Real Estate Salesperson Last Updated: June 2026 --- ## Overview Fair housing law prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing. Texas license holders must comply with both federal and state fair housing laws. Violations can result in license sanctions, civil penalties, and private lawsuits. --- ## Federal Fair Housing Act — 7 Protected Classes The Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3601 et seq.), enacted in 1968 and amended in 1988, prohibits discrimination based on seven protected classes: | # | Protected Class | Added | |---|---|---| | 1 | Race | 1968 | | 2 | Color | 1968 | | 3 | National Origin | 1968 | | 4 | Religion | 1968 | | 5 | Sex | 1974 | | 6 | Familial Status | 1988 | | 7 | Disability (Handicap) | 1988 | > Exam Tip: The original 1968 act had 4 protected classes (race, color, national origin, religion). Sex was added in 1974. Familial status and disability were added together in 1988. Memorize this timeline — the exam often tests which class was added when. ### Familial Status Definition Familial status protects households with children under 18, pregnant women, and people in the process of obtaining legal custody of a minor. ### Disability Definition Under the Fair Housing Act, disability includes: - Physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities - A record of having such an impairment - Being regarded as having such an impairment --- ## Texas Fair Housing Act The Texas Fair Housing Act (Property Code §301.001 et seq.) mirrors federal law but may include…