Maryland Home Improvement PSI Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of discriminatory advertising under the Federal Fair Housing Law?

1. Nonsmoker preferred.

2. Military discount.

3. Seniors welcome.

4. Catholics preferred.

The correct answer is: Catholics preferred.

Discriminatory advertising under the Federal Fair Housing Act involves making statements or preferences that could exclude certain groups based on protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. The example that represents discriminatory advertising is the preference for "Catholics." This specifically targets individuals based on their religion, which is a protected class under the Fair Housing Act, thereby violating the principle of equal housing opportunity. On the other hand, the other choices do not necessarily fall under the category of discriminatory advertising when considered in certain contexts. "Nonsmoker preferred" might relate to lifestyle choices rather than protected classes; "Military discount" does not exclude anyone based on personal characteristics but rather offers a financial incentive; and "Seniors welcome" speaks to age-related services but does not legally discriminate against other age groups under certain conditions. Therefore, the preference noted for "Catholics" is clearly discriminatory, as it categorically excludes individuals based on religion, which is prohibited by law.