California Real Estate Salesperson Exam Practice - Quesiton 41

Question

Which state agency is empowered to prevent acts of discrimination in housing?

Selections

• A. Real Estate Commission

• B. Labor Commission

• C. Department of Fair Employment and Housing

• D. Division of Housing

---

Answer: C

---

5 Keys Summary

• The principal state agency empowered to prevent acts of discrimination in housing is the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).

• The DFEH enforces California state laws such as the Unruh Civil Rights Act and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (also known as the Rumford Act).

• These state laws prohibit discrimination in housing accommodations and public business establishments based on characteristics including race, gender, religion, national origin, disability, and familial status.

• The Real Estate Commissioner (who heads the Department of Real Estate) investigates complaints and can suspend or revoke a licensee's professional license for committing discriminatory acts, but the DFEH provides the broad enforcement of housing discrimination laws for state residents.

• The DFEH is the largest civil rights agency in America and protects state residents from employment, housing, and public accommodation discrimination.

Explanations

The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) is the state agency specifically empowered to prevent acts of discrimination in housing. It is responsible for protecting California residents from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The DFEH enforces various state laws that prohibit discrimination, including the Unruh Civil Rights Act and the Fair Employment and Housing Act (also known as the Rumford Act). Individuals who believe they have experienced housing discrimination can file a complaint with DFEH. While the Department of Real Estate (DRE) administers real estate law and investigates complaints against licensees, the broad enforcement of housing discrimination laws primarily falls under the DFEH's jurisdiction.

Concepts Definitions

• Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH): A California state agency that enforces state laws prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations.

• Discrimination in Housing: Unequal treatment in the sale, rental, or financing of residential real estate based on protected characteristics such as race, national origin, religion, gender, disability, or familial status.

• Unruh Civil Rights Act: A California law enforced by the DFEH that guarantees equal access and treatment in businesses, including housing accommodations, and prohibits discrimination based on various protected characteristics.

• Fair Employment and Housing Act (Rumford Act): A California civil rights law that bans unfair housing practices and prohibits housing and employment discrimination. It is also enforced by the DFEH.