Direct answer
What does Protected characteristic mean?
A personal characteristic that fair housing law protects from discrimination.
Exam cue: New York State protects more characteristics than federal law, and local law may add others.
What does it look like in a question?
New York example
A housing provider reviews current federal, state and applicable local requirements before setting a policy.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
Do not rely only on the federal list when a question clearly asks about New York.
Related fair housing terms
Assistance animalAn animal that works, provides assistance or performs tasks, or provides disability-related emotional support under applicable housing rules.BlockbustingInducing or attempting to induce a sale or rental by suggesting that protected-class entry or change will cause harmful neighborhood effects.Disparate treatmentIntentional or differential treatment of people because of a protected characteristic.Fair housing testingA method of comparing housing experiences using people with matched profiles to identify possible discrimination.Familial statusA federal fair housing protection covering households with one or more children under 18 in specified custody or expected-child situations.Implicit biasAttitudes or associations that can affect judgment without conscious intent.
Sources used3 references with section locators
The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.
- Real Estate Salesperson 77-Hour CurriculumNew York State Department of StateSupports: Exam scopeSection: Subject 9, Human Rights and Fair Housing
- Fair Housing Protections Under the New York State Human Rights LawNew York State Division of Human RightsSupports: New York ruleSection: Protected characteristics and prohibited housing practices
- Fair Housing Act OverviewU.S. Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentSupports: Federal ruleSection: Federal Fair Housing Act overview
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