1.
True or False: Complainants must have proof of discrimination with them in order to file discrimination complaints at OHR.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
False. Complainants do not need to have proof of discrimination in order to file discrimination complaints at OHR. They can file a complaint based on their belief or suspicion of discrimination, and it is up to the OHR to investigate and gather evidence to determine if discrimination has occurred.
2.
True or False: If someone is denied a rental unit because of discrimination, the only possible remedy they could get from the OHR process is reimbursement of their application fees.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The correct answer is False. If someone is denied a rental unit because of discrimination, they can seek various remedies through the OHR (Office of Human Rights) process. These remedies may include financial compensation for damages, punitive damages, injunctive relief, and even the possibility of the landlord being required to provide the rental unit to the individual. Reimbursement of application fees is just one possible remedy, but there are other potential remedies available as well.
3.
True of False: If a landlord retaliates against their renter for filing a complaint against the landlord with OHR, the renter must still win their first complaint before they can file or win a retaliation complaint.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
If a landlord retaliates against their renter for filing a complaint against the landlord with OHR, the renter does not need to win their first complaint before they can file or win a retaliation complaint. This means that even if the renter's initial complaint is not successful, they can still file a retaliation complaint and potentially win if they can prove that the landlord retaliated against them for filing the complaint.
4.
Which of the following is not an example of a reasonable accommodation or modification?
Correct Answer
E. None of the above
Explanation
All of the given examples are examples of reasonable accommodations or modifications. A person who uses a wheelchair requesting permission to lower the countertops, a person with PTSD requesting permission for their emotional support animal, a person who is blind asking for assistance in filling out a rental application, and a person with bipolar disorder requesting waiver of pet fees for their emotional support animal are all valid requests for reasonable accommodations or modifications. Therefore, the correct answer is "None of the above."
5.
In the example of a person who uses a wheelchair requesting permission to lower the counter tops in their kitchen so they can reach the counter, can the landlord request documentation of the need for the requested modification?
Correct Answer
B. No
Explanation
The correct answer is No. According to the Fair Housing Act, a landlord cannot request documentation of the need for a requested modification if it is related to a disability. This is to ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to housing and are not subjected to unnecessary barriers or discrimination.
6.
In the scenario of a person who is diagnosed with PTSD requesting permission for their emotional support animal to live with them in a "no pets" building, can the landlord request documentation of the need for the requested accommodation?
Correct Answer
A. Yes
Explanation
In this scenario, the landlord can request documentation of the need for the requested accommodation. This is because under the Fair Housing Act, landlords are allowed to request reasonable documentation to verify the need for an emotional support animal. The documentation may include a letter from a healthcare professional stating that the person has been diagnosed with PTSD and that the emotional support animal is necessary for their well-being. This helps ensure that the accommodation is legitimate and necessary for the person's disability.
7.
If someone is a victim/survivor of domestic violence, what are their potential housing rights under the DC Human Rights Act?
Correct Answer
H. A, C, and D
Explanation
If someone is a victim/survivor of domestic violence, their potential housing rights under the DC Human Rights Act include the ability to call the police to protect their safety, the right to break their lease early, and the right to request that their landlord change their locks. These rights are aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals who have experienced domestic violence and provide them with options to protect themselves and seek a safe living environment.
8.
If a tenant reports to their landlord that the tenant's neighbor across the hall is making disparaging remarks regarding the tenant's sexual orientation, is the landlord responsible for taking any action to protect the complaining tenant?
Correct Answer
A. Yes
Explanation
The correct answer is "Yes" because it is the landlord's responsibility to provide a safe and comfortable living environment for all tenants. If a tenant reports harassment or discrimination, such as disparaging remarks about their sexual orientation, the landlord should take action to address the issue and protect the complaining tenant. This may involve warning or reprimanding the neighbor, implementing policies against discrimination, or even terminating the neighbor's tenancy if necessary. The landlord's obligation to protect tenants from harassment is not dependent on religious beliefs.
9.
Your client receives a rental subsidy that will cover up to $1400/month in rent. He's interested in renting a unit that rents for $1200/month. Your client receives $300/month from TANF and will be paying $100/month out of his own pocket towards the rent. The subsidy will cover the rest. The landlord requires all applicants to prove that they can afford the unit by showing that they will be paying no more than 30% of their income towards the rent, and their posted requirement for this unit is $4000/month. How should the landlord treat your client's application?
Correct Answer
B. The landlord should see if the client's payment of $100/month is no more than 30% of their $300 income.
Explanation
The landlord should see if the client's payment of $100/month is no more than 30% of their $300 income. This is because the landlord requires applicants to prove that they can afford the unit by showing that they will be paying no more than 30% of their income towards the rent. In this case, the client's income is $300/month and the client will be paying $100/month towards the rent, which is less than 30% of their income. Therefore, the client's application should be considered by the landlord.
10.
Which of the following is true about the OHR process?
Correct Answer
K. B and D
Explanation
The correct answer is B and D. This means that it is true that complainants do not need an attorney for the OHR process, and it is also true that the process is free to file a complaint.
11.
How many traits are protected from housing discrimination under the DC Human Rights Act?
Correct Answer
C. 18
Explanation
The correct answer is 18. The DC Human Rights Act protects 18 different traits from housing discrimination. These traits include race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, family responsibilities, genetic information, disability, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, and place of residence or business.