Which of the following is a protected characteristic under the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act identifies specific characteristics that are protected against discrimination in housing. Among these protected characteristics, sex is explicitly included, making it unlawful to discriminate against individuals based on their gender. This means that actions such as refusing to rent or sell based on someone’s gender, or creating different terms and conditions, are prohibited under the Fair Housing Act.

Protected characteristics provide a basis for individuals to seek legal remedies if they face discrimination, ensuring that everyone has equal access to housing regardless of their sex, among other categories. Meanwhile, occupation, property ownership duration, and employment status are not recognized as protected characteristics under this legislation, meaning they do not provide the same legal protections as sex does in the context of housing discrimination.