What is NOT considered a characteristic protected under the Fair Housing Act?

The Fair Housing Act protects individuals from discrimination in housing based on certain characteristics, commonly referred to as "protected classes." These include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.

Age is not included in the list of protected classes under the Fair Housing Act. Therefore, it is appropriate to identify age as not being a characteristic protected by this legislation. The act aims to prevent discrimination primarily on the basis of inherent traits that individuals possess or characteristics that are unrelated to their ability to obtain housing.

On the other hand, nation of origin, color, and race are all explicitly mentioned in the Fair Housing Act as protected characteristics. Thus, the inclusion of these traits highlights the Act's focus on promoting equal housing opportunities for individuals without regard to these factors.