Which of the following is a protected class under the Fair Housing Laws?

• A. Familial status
• B. Salary
• C. Education level
• D. Political affiliation

Answer: (A)

Discrimination in housing is prohibited when it’s based on protected characteristics. Familial status—being a family with children under 18, including pregnant women—is one of the protected classes under federal Fair Housing Laws. That protection aims to prevent rules or practices that treat families with children differently, such as denying housing or imposing harsher terms because of children.

The other attributes listed—salary, education level, and political affiliation—are not protected classes under the Fair Housing Act, so decisions based on those factors aren’t the protected-discrimination focus of these laws.