SAFE MLO ECOA, Fair Housing & HMDA question: protected by the Fair Housing Act

SAFE MLOECOA, Fair Housing & HMDA

Which characteristic is protected by the Fair Housing Act but is NOT on ECOA's list of prohibited bases?

A Familial status
B Color of skin
C Sex, including pregnancy
D Age

Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A. Familial status

The Fair Housing Act protects familial status (households with children under 18, pregnant women) and handicap (42 U.S.C. 3602(k), 3605). ECOA's list covers age, marital status and public assistance income, but not familial status (12 CFR 1002.2(z)). Sex and color are protected by both laws. Source: 42 U.S.C. 3602(k), 3605; 12 CFR 1002.2(z) (as at 11 Oct 2026).

Common mistake

Treating familial status and marital status as the same protected class.

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Study note: ECOA, Fair Housing & HMDA SAFE MLOpractice questions & mock exams

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Original study material mapped to the public NMLS Content Outline; not a real test question.Not affiliated with or endorsed by NMLS, CSBS or SRR. Verify figures and rules against current guidance before relying on them.