What type of properties does the Fair Housing Act primarily protect?

The Fair Housing Act primarily protects residential properties because its main focus is to prevent discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of residential housing based on specific protected classes, such as race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. The legislation aims to ensure equal housing opportunities for all individuals seeking a place to live, thus emphasizing the importance of fair treatment in the context of residential environments.

In contrast, commercial, industrial, and agricultural properties are not the primary focus of the Fair Housing Act, which is centered on the residential aspect of housing. These other types of properties may be subject to different regulations and laws that pertain specifically to commercial transactions rather than the protections provided for residential tenants and buyers. This distinction is critical in understanding the scope of the Fair Housing Act and its intention to foster non-discriminatory practices in the housing market.