What is the primary purpose of testing by a fair housing organization?

• A. To determine if a landlord discriminates based on race or national origin
• B. To measure rental income
• C. To assess property condition
• D. To train staff

Answer: (A)

Testing by fair housing organizations focuses on uncovering whether housing providers treat people differently because of protected characteristics, like race or national origin. By using comparable testers who differ only in the protected trait, investigators observe whether responses or treatment—such as showing a unit, terms offered, or eligibility decisions—vary in a way that indicates discrimination. The goal is to identify illegal discrimination and support enforcement and compliance with fair housing laws. This isn’t about measuring rental income, assessing property condition, or training staff, which are separate activities not aimed at proving discriminatory practices.