Under the Fair Housing Act, discrimination is prohibited in sale, rental, financing, and which of the following?

• A. Provision of brokerage services
• B. Insurance underwriting
• C. Property tax assessment
• D. Zoning decisions

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination not only in selling, renting, and financing housing, but also in the real estate services that facilitate those transactions. This means brokers and agents cannot discriminate when providing brokerage services—showing properties, handling listings, negotiating terms, or assisting with the purchase or rental process. The inclusion of brokerage services closes a potential loophole where a discriminatory agent could block access to housing opportunities even if the seller or lender is neutral.

Insurance underwriting, property tax assessments, and zoning decisions aren’t listed as areas covered by the FHA’s protections in its standard text. While discrimination in these areas can raise separate legal concerns or be addressed by other laws, they are not the activities the FHA explicitly prohibits in its traditional scope.