Which of the following is a characteristic protected under fair housing laws?

A characteristic protected under fair housing laws is disability. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination against individuals based on certain protected classes, which include race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. This means that landlords, property managers, and real estate agents must make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have equal access to housing and services.

When it comes to the other characteristics listed, while they may be relevant in specific contexts or under certain state or local laws, they are not covered by the federal Fair Housing Act. For instance, income level and marital status do not fall under the federally protected classes, and although some jurisdictions may have their own laws addressing these issues, they are not part of the federal protections. Similarly, subscription to a political party is not a characteristic protected by fair housing laws, as the focus is primarily on preventing discrimination against those defined in the protected classes mentioned above.