Texas Real Estate Brokerage Sales Apprentice Education (SAE) Practice Exam

What is the maximum penalty for a first violation of fair housing laws?

1. $5,000

2. $10,000

3. $15,000

4. $20,000

The correct answer is: $10,000

The maximum penalty for a first violation of fair housing laws is established at $10,000. This penalty is part of the enforcement mechanism for the Fair Housing Act, which aims to eliminate discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. By setting specific penalties for violations, the law promotes compliance and helps ensure that individuals have the right to access housing without facing discrimination. The rationale for the penalty amounts in the Fair Housing Act is to deter violations and encourage adherence to fair housing principles. With the initial penalty set at $10,000 for a first violation, it reflects the seriousness of the offense and aims to foster a market that is equitable and just. In looking at the other amounts, while there are higher penalties for subsequent violations or more severe infractions, the first violation is definitively capped at $10,000 within the framework designed to protect fair housing rights. This structure allows for progressively higher penalties for repeat offenses, emphasizing the need for compliance and the importance of the fair housing laws in promoting equal access to housing.