Which of the following is a protected basis under the Fair Housing Act that is different from those covered by ECOA?

The correct answer highlights protected classes specifically included in the Fair Housing Act (FHA) that are not covered by the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). Under the FHA, individuals are protected from discrimination in housing based on disability, familial status, and age.

Disability refers to individuals with physical or mental impairments that substantially limit one or more major life activities. Familial status protects families with children under the age of 18 and pregnant women, acknowledging the rights of families to reside in housing without discrimination. Age is often considered in contexts involving discrimination against older adults, particularly in housing.

ECOA, on the other hand, focuses more on preventing discrimination in credit transactions based on factors such as race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, and age—but it does not specifically include familial status or the same broad protections for disability.

Understanding the distinctions between these two critical pieces of legislation helps clarify which bases are protected in various contexts, specifically regarding housing versus credit.