Which of the following is NOT a component of the federal fair housing laws?

The correct choice is that the prohibition against discrimination based on income is not a component of the federal fair housing laws. The federal Fair Housing Act, enacted in 1968 and amended in subsequent years, aims to eliminate discrimination in housing based on certain protected categories. These categories include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability.

While the other options address specific protections provided under the Fair Housing Act, such as discrimination based on national origin, religion, and familial status, income is not included as a protected class. This means that while it is generally considered important in the context of housing, the federal laws do not provide specific protections against discrimination based on an individual's income level.

Understanding this distinction is essential for real estate professionals, as it highlights the legal obligations surrounding fair housing and the particular characteristics that are deemed sensitive and deserving of protection under federal law.